‘We must nurture politicians if we want a healthy democracy' - Feb 24, 2010

Peter Riddell, Hansard Society Chair, gives the inaugural Parliamentary Affairs Annual Lecture

Thursday 25 February, 6.30pm, Macmillan Room, Portcullis House

In 2009 the reputation of politicians and politics itself reached rock bottom. Peter Riddell, Chair of the Hansard Society, in his speech at the inaugural Parliamentary Affairs Annual lecture tomorrow evening will examine the role of politicians in a modern representative democracy. He will say:

‘...We need, and should nurture, politicians if we want a vibrant and healthy democracy. Criticising politicians as a class - regardless of their individual merits, as well as weaknesses - is counter-productive and dangerous. It is likely to deter good people from putting themselves forward as candidates - and is one reason for the record retirements at the end of this Parliament. So, just as we celebrate politics as a crucial activity in a healthy democracy, so let us recognise the vital role of politicians.'

Peter Riddell will examine the substantial challenges facing politics and politicians and outline the changes that must be made if public confidence in politicians is to be restored.

                            In defence of politicians - in spite of themselves

Inaugural Parliamentary Affairs Annual Lecture

Speaker: Peter Riddell (The Times & Hansard Society Chair)

Introduction by Professor Steven Fielding (Joint editor of Parliamentary Affairs)
Chaired by Dr Ruth Fox (Director of Parliament & Government Programme, Hansard Society)

Thursday 25 February, 6.30pm, Macmillan Room, Portcullis House

Members of the media are invited to attend - email mediaprog@hansard.lse.ac.uk to book your place or to request an embargoed copy of the speech

Editors' Notes

• Parliamentary Affairs is a long-established journal published by Oxford University Press in association with the Hansard Society