Writing in Radix, Mark E Thomas asks what is happening in the USA and if the world can rely on it remaining a democracy in more than name only.

Following the Labour party conference Dan Hedley in New Capital Consensus considers what is needed to turn the ambition for renewal into reality.

In the Guardian Rowena Mason reports on calls to restore Electoral Commission independence to protect democracy.

Albert Toth in The Independent maps the 12 new towns set to be built around the UK.

In LocalGov, Emma Lloyd explores how councils can use the new 'Plan for Neighbourhoods' funding to turn town centres into thriving hubs.

Finally, writing for LabourList, Deborah Mattinson asks how politicians can engage with a disaffected electorate.