Alumni news
Sussex Spark 2025: ‘Is the UK Politically Corrupt?’
By: Heather Stanley
Last updated: Monday, 22 September 2025
The 4 panelists were Prof Liz David-Barrett & Dr Becky Dobson-Philips from Sussex with Dr Susan Hawley & Dr Hannah White
“It felt like a conversation with friends in a cool jazz-bar style setting..." said Liz David-Barrett
As well as discussion and Q&A, attendees took part in a live survey to inform and stimulate debate
How should we tackle corruption in the UK? Some suggestions from attendees
30 years after the Nolan Principles of standards in public life first came into being, Sussex Spark 2025 explored whether the Principles were still fit for purpose - and if not, whether they should be updated or replaced. Delivered by the University of Sussex in partnership with The Brighton Dome, ‘Is the UK Politically Corrupt?’ took place on Thursday 18 September.
Members of the Centre for the Study of Corruption within the Department of Politics at the University of Sussex have provided expert advice to the Committee on Standards in Public Life and the Parliamentary Standards Committee about the Nolan Principles. Professor Liz David-Barrett, Professor of Governance & Integrity – panel chair for this public engagement event – was joined by colleague Dr Becky Dobson Phillips, Assistant Professor in Politics, and experts from two leading think-tanks: Dr Susan Hawley, Executive Director, Spotlight on Corruption and Dr Hannah White, Director & CEO, Institute for Government.
Anke Schwittay, Professor of Anthropology & Global Development and Associate Dean for Global and Civic Engagement for the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Sussex, said:
“Public engagement events like Sussex Spark at the Brighton Dome are excellent for sharing Sussex research with local residents, as well as strengthening our relationship with local and national institutions and contributing to timely national debates.”
As well as general discussion and Q&A, attendees took part in a live survey to inform and stimulate debate, much of which focused on subjects such as
- Do you think proportional representation would decrease or increase corruption and bad behaviours by politicians?
- Is lobbying just part of an effective democracy or is it actually corruption in disguise?
- Are more male politicians guilty of misconduct vs women?
- What impact do you see lowering the voting age on corruption?
- How do you manage corruption within political parties?
- Should MPs be regulated like doctors via a body comparable to the GMC?
Professor Liz David-Barrett said:
“It felt like a conversation with friends in a cool jazz-bar style setting. Our expert panellists did a fantastic job of talking through factors that can make UK politics susceptible to corruption, as well as what needs to happen to fix these weak spots. And the audience threw in some great ideas that we were able to react to on the spot. All in all, great fun!”
The next Sussex Spark event will be in March 2026.