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Closing the void: Can we reconnect politics with associational life?

people sitting on tables-with papers and glasses
This research shows that our democracy is in poor health but people who are involved in associational organisations – from book clubs to community businesses to working men’s clubs – are more likely to have trust in democratic institutions than those who are not. This report sets out concrete recommendations to government and political parties to renew our democracy through grassroots civil society, closing the void between citizens and democratic institutions.

8th May 2025

Josh Westerling

Josh Westerling

Policy Manager

Linda Hien

Linda Hien

Insight Manager

Nick Plumb

Nick Plumb

Director of Policy and Insight

About the report

Our democracy’s in poor health. Trust and satisfaction with political parties and government has hit a new low.  

But it’s not a strongman leader people want to change this. Brand new polling from More in Common for Power to Change shows the public want to see more citizens getting involved in democracy.  

The research shows that people who are involved in associational organisations – from book clubs to working men’s clubs – are more likely to have trust in democratic institutions than those who are not. This suggests one route to renewing our democracy lies in grassroots civil society.  

The report sets out concrete recommendations to government and political parties to close the void between citizens and democratic institutions, drawing on original public opinion research.