Alexandra Meakin

Dr. Alexandra Meakin serves as Lecturer in British Politics at the School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), University of Leeds since 2021, with expertise spanning parliamentary institutions, governance, and political engagement.

Her academic foundation includes:

• PhD in Politics, University of Sheffield (2019)
• MA in British Politics (Parliamentary Studies), POLIS, University of Leeds (2006)
• BA (Hons) in History and Politics, University of Sheffield (2005)

Meakin's research critically examines parliamentary architecture, gender dynamics in legislatures, and the relationship between parliaments and citizens, with sustained focus on the Palace of Westminster's Restoration and Renewal project. She is frequently consulted by international media and parliamentarians as a leading expert on institutional change within the UK Parliament.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Walter Bagehot Prize (2020) for best dissertation in government and public administration

Prior to academia, Meakin accumulated over a decade of practical experience working for House of Commons select committees and Members of Parliament. She currently teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules while advancing innovative pedagogical approaches to broaden higher education access, building on her ESRC-funded postdoctoral research at the University of Manchester regarding small parties in UK parliaments.