The Institute for Constitutional and Democratic Research (ICDR) was created by a group of legal experts, academics, business leaders and campaigners, who have a “shared concern at the state of our democratic constitution”.

Mrs Motion, chairman of Balfour and Manson, who was involved in some of the UK’s most high-profile constitutional cases – including the Brexit cases and prorogation litigation – said she was “delighted and honoured” to be part of the ICDR.

The ICDR is committed to moving away from partisan politics and sets out its vision as follows:

Mrs Motion said: “Constitutional debate in the UK has become very polarised – and our constitution and democracy is far too important to be reduced to partisan point-scoring. 

“The ICDR aims to bring people together to raise the standard of debate, and to encourage open, informed, and critical thinking about the big issues. I am delighted and honoured to be part of this independent, exciting, and important initiative.”

The ICDR has been established as an educational charity with three main objectives: to advise legislators and officials at all levels of government; to empower citizens to engage with constitutional issues through public education and resources and to lead new thinking by providing a platform for the nation’s best minds to independently address our most pressing constitutional challenges.

Mrs Motion is a trustee of the ICDR, alongside Andrew Lane, barrister and Chloe Hill, pupil barrister. 

Dr Sam Fowles, of Cornerstone Barristers, will be the director of the institute.

The institute’s fellowship includes some of the most eminent constitutional experts in the world, including Professor Paul Craig of Oxford University, Jessica Simor QC of Matrix Chambers, and Melanie Carter, head of public law at Bates Wells Solicitors.

Double silk Aidan O’Neill QC, of Ampersand Advocates and Matrix Chambers is also fellow of the ICDR.