The reforms: a political safe haven or political suicide – is the Labour bubble bursting?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the political influence on the reforms proffered for the banking sector. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is divided into three main parts. First, the paper will examine the background of the financial crisis. The second and main part of the paper is the examination and critique of the White Paper reform proposals. The paper concludes by critically examining the opposition party's reform paper and contrasts the proposals. Findings – The paper concludes that although the bank regulation needs to be reformed, it is debateable whether it is the time or the place or indeed the party that is right to achieve a successful result at the present time. Research limitations/implications – The implications for the research is that during the next year banking reforms will undergo further changes, therefore, there will be a requirement to revisit and revise the findings in light of the political agenda of the new government. Originality/value – This paper offers an original insight into the political influences on banking regulation within the UK.