Disillusionment with politicians, declining trust in democratic institutions and growing support for right-wing populists creates an existential threat for traditional parties. This United Kingdom report states that this threat can’t be stemmed with bureaucratic, business-as-usual politics. It proposes that established parties must radically change how they govern and proposes four recommendations.

This paper seeks to set out how future UK governments should approach modernising the state to deliver effectively for, and rebuild trust with, citizens. This work is based on a literature review of relevant research, and over 30 interviews with experts from across government, including current and previous civil servants and advisors.

This report examines the state of the UK state by focusing on the challenges facing the NHS, schools, and the justice system, which the next government will need to address. It also sets out a plan for progress.

This report has a particular focus on reforming the centre of government and the flow of funding to local places, to enable local services and frontline teams to innovate and drive preventative, personalised and productive services across the United Kingdom.

This report considers how political leaders can build public support for democratic reform.