Is the government really acting for the people? Or does this rhetoric simply justify an executive power-grab?
For some, Boris Johnson’s premiership epitomised how far the UK’s democracy has been captured by populism. Events like ‘Partygate’ eventually led to his resignation, which some claim shows that the UK’s constitution has checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.
While Partygate grabbed the headlines, other constitutional changes take place with little public awareness, which strengthens governmental powers and weakens political and legal checks over its actions.
Alison L. Young provides the first consolidated account of these changes, arguing that democracy is being endangered and that the UK’s post-Brexit constitution should be shored up to prevent it collapsing into a system of unchecked power.