About the Project
Members of Parliament and members of the House of Lords are heard constantly — in debates, committees, media appearances and across public life. Yet we know surprisingly little about how accent and speaking style shape their professional experiences.
Politicians are often judged for how they speak, yet little research has explored how they experience and interpret this scrutiny. This project gives MPs and peers the opportunity to share their perspectives in their own words.
Westminster Voices is a research project carried out by Professor Rob Drummond and Dr Amanda Cole which explores how voice — both as speech and as democratic representation — shapes contemporary British political life.
The research commences in Summer 2026 – watch this space!
If you are a current MP or member of the House of Lords and would like to take part, please go here.
Why this Research Matters
Speaking is central to political life: Parliament is a workplace where speaking is central to debate, scrutiny and representation. Linguistic expectations can shape experiences of belonging, credibility and authority.
Voices represent communities: Politicians’ voices carry meanings beyond the words themselves. Accent and speaking style can shape perceptions of authenticity, identity, expertise and connection to communities and places.
Experiences remain under-researched: Politicians are often judged for how they speak, yet no research has explored how they experience and interpret this scrutiny. This project gives MPs and peers the opportunity to share their perspectives.
Understanding Westminster today: As Parliament becomes more socially and regionally diverse, the project explores whether expectations about how politicians ‘should’ sound are changing – and what this means for political life and representation.