The security of politicians: towards a research agenda

Neil T Matthews*, Sean Haughey

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

Abstract

Members of Parliament (MPs) are increasingly experimenting with a variety of measures to protect their personal security. This trend is particularly evident at the local level, with MPs adjusting their constituency service on security grounds in ways that likely affect how they interact with constituents. Despite potentially significant representative implications, these enhanced security measures have yet to be problematized in detail. This article calls for a new research agenda to address this deficit. Exploring some of the anecdotal evidence, we highlight potential trade-offs arising from a more securitized constituency service experience, noting, in particular, costs pertaining to (1) accessibility, (2) symbolism, and (3) resources. We conclude by sketching out the broad parameters of a multi-method, multi-level, and multi-disciplinary research agenda on the security of politicians.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbergsae015
Number of pages30
JournalParliamentary affairs
Early online date17 Jul 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 17 Jul 2024

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