The Function of the Opposition in Constitutional Change in the Westminster System: Brexit and Beyond

This project will explore the changing role and functions of the Opposition in the UK constitution. The role of the Opposition has long captured the attention of constitutional lawyers and jurists (see eg Bagehot 1867; Jennings 1941, 1959; Brazier 1989) and remains the subject of live academic debate (eg Webber 2017). The Opposition occupies a significant and distinctive position in the UK constitution - the

second largest political party in the House of Commons is formally designated as the official Opposition (or 'His Majesty's Opposition') in statute (Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1975) and receives specific state funding (resolution of the House of Commons, 26 May 1999, as amended and updated). This is in recognition of the important political functions performed by the Opposition: leading the process of holding the government to account in the House of Commons by 'shadowing' specific government

departments, and also acting as an alternative 'government in waiting' should the need arise.