Petra Schleiter

Petra Schleiter is an Associate Professor and Valerie Belu a Masters Student, both at the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford.

May 2015: Who forms the UK government in the event of a hung parliament?

The polls predict a hung parliament after the May 2015 election. More than one potential government could be viable. How will negotiations proceed? Which actors will have a privileged role in the bargaining process?

By Petra Schleiter

/ 13 Mar 2015

Why the UK needs improved caretaker conventions before the election

In 2010, the UK’s underspecified caretaker conventions caused the “Squatter in Downing Street” controversy, when Gordon Brown remained in office after Labour’s election defeat, and the country still lacks adequate rules to govern caretaker situations.

By Petra Schleiter

/ 29 Jan 2015

Why the Fixed-term Parliaments Act should not be repealed

The Coalition introduced the Fixed Term Parliaments Act in 2011. Now some Conservative MPs want to repeal the Act. But Fixed Term Parliaments are good for UK democracy.

By Petra Schleiter

/ 23 Oct 2014