A new Great Reform Act is needed to limit the absurdities of our constitution

As vilified, unpopular and mediocre as many of our politicians are, it will fall to this generation to construct a new constitutional settlement for the United Kingdom. In some respects, the work is under way: our MPs have begun to tackle the extent and shape of further devolution in Scotland and so-called “English Votes for English Laws”. As soon as Friday they may be called on to investigate how a legitimate government can be formed in the Commons when no party or plausible combination of groups can command a majority. And beyond the horse-trading that will follow the election, the House of Lords and the electoral system itself require urgent renovation.