Opinion | How the prime minister’s assessment of MPs challenges democratic principles
Summary
The prime minister’s public assessment of MPs is portrayed as a challenge to parliamentary democracy and the constitutional balance between the executive and legislature. The article argues that elected representatives should be judged by citizens, Parliament and the public record—not by the prime minister as if he were their examiner.
Key Points
- The article argues that MPs derive legitimacy from voters, not from the prime minister, and should not be graded by the executive.
- It says Parliament exists to question and scrutinize the government, while the government remains accountable to Parliament.
- The piece warns that “grading politics” weakens institutional balance and reverses democratic accountability.
- It concludes that the public, through elections and civic scrutiny, should judge MPs' performance.
