Electorally vulnerable MPs’ outside interests appear to follow an election cycle

Politicians often implement popular changes in public policies – and avoid unpopular ones – prior to elections. Looking at the 2005-2010 legislature of the UK parliament, Benny Geys evaluates whether such ‘electioneering’ also affects politicians’ extra-parliamentary activities. He finds that only the electorally most vulnerable MPs appear to leave aside directorships prior to the election year.