I am a political theorist and intellectual historian. My research focuses on the history of modern political thought, especially in nineteenth-century Britain.

My primary interest is the relationship between ideas of democracy, liberalism, and representative government. I have also addressed, among other subjects: toleration and freedom of speech; deliberative democracy and theories of deliberation more broadly; the development of electoral systems and political parties; Enlightenment political philosophy; the history of utilitarianism; the thought of John Stuart Mill and its reception; and modern French political theory.

Previous books include Parliament the Mirror of the Nation: Representation, Deliberation, and Democracy in Victorian Britain and Albert Venn Dicey: Writings on Democracy and the Referendum. My most recent book is John Stuart Mill: Writings on Representative Government and Parliamentary Reform.

I have published in a number of journals in political theory and the history of political thought. I am currently at work on two books: a study of the constitutional lawyer and political philosopher Albert Venn Dicey, and a short history of liberal ideas of equality.

I also write about public affairs for for a general audience.