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Constitutional Watchdogs

Ethics in a dictionary.

Constitutional watchdogs are the guardians of the system for upholding standards. The Constitution Unit has long had an interest in constitutional watchdogs, from one of our earliest reports in 1997 to our most recent reports on parliament's watchdogs and the watchdogs which regulate the executive.

The Constitution Unit's work on constitutional watchdogs is led by Professor Robert Hazell.

Research

A blurred Palace of Westminster with a magnifying glass hovering over a clear section

Parliament's Watchdogs

This study examined the watchdogs which regulate the election, remuneration and conduct of MPs, as well as those seeking election as MPs. It reported in 2022.

A lamppost and the top of a guardhouse on Horse Guards Parade

Executive Watchdogs

This project covered seven watchdogs which monitor the conduct of the executive. It maked recommendations for how they should be strengthened and by how much. It reported in 2024.