University of Sheffield - Moats of trust

Political experts at the University of Sheffield will do their bit to restore the public's confidence in politicians. Sheffield's department of politics has been awarded a £100,000 research grant to study governance and reform in light of the recent MPs' expenses scandal. The funds from the Economic and Social Research Council will support a study of party patronage - the power of a party to appoint people to public positions. The researchers will also aim to provide the Government with a "toolkit for change" to help them win over the public.