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Reinventing the House

Episode 4 of 4

Political documentary series. In the final episode, battles break out over the future of the House. Plus the ongoing struggle to conserve the palace.

In the final part of this major four-part series, battles break out over the future of the House. Speaker John Bercow runs into trouble with his own plans for reforming it. Wealthy Tory backbencher Zac Goldsmith tries to give voters the power to sack their MPs - and the establishment tries to stop him. Plus the ongoing struggle to conserve the Victorian mock gothic palace and anticipate the challenges of carrying out a multi-billion pound programme of restoration work whilst the House is sitting. David Purdue of the events and banqueting team is part of a new initiative to raise money for the upkeep of the House by hosting fashion shows and film premieres inside the House.

At the end of a remarkable year, conflict continues between those who celebrate the Commons' historic traditions and those who believe it needs to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century, as MPs gear up for the general election. Many face the prospect of losing their jobs. The ever-changing House of Commons will soon have a new intake of MPs, and new challenges to face.

1 hour

Last on

Sat 22 Oct 2016 18:00

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Michael Cockerell
Executive Producer Anthony Geffen
Series Producer Emma Whitlock
Producer Adam Grimley
Executive Producer Darren Kemp
Participant John Bercow
Participant Robert Rogers
Participant Tracey Jessup
Participant Robin Fell
Participant Michael Fabricant
Participant Ken Clarke
Participant Nicholas Soames
Participant Peter Tapsell
Participant Charlotte Leslie
Participant Zac Goldsmith
Participant John Thurso
Participant David Purdue
Participant David Natzler
Participant Jacob Rees-Mogg
Participant Angela Eagle
Participant Thomas Docherty
Participant Angus MacNeil
Participant Martin Horwood
Participant Ed Balls
Participant Ian Westworth
Participant Paul Roberson
Participant David Cameron
Participant Ed Miliband

Broadcasts

OU on the 麻豆社: Inside the Commons

Learn more about the topics in this series with OU academics

OU on the 麻豆社: Inside the Commons

Learn more about the topics in this series with OU academics

The inside track on British democracy

Visit the 麻豆社's Taking Liberties website