After years of piecemeal reform the current welfare system is complex and unfair.

The introduction of the universal credit under the Government’s welfare reforms will mean that people returning to work from benefits will continue to receive some state support. Subsequently a petition was started on change. Individuals will be told they must earn a minimum amount each week from their jobs and will face being stripped of their housing benefit and tax credits if they fall short under the plan.

In 2003 Conservative MPs passed a Vote of No Confidence in Duncan Smith as many considered him unable to return the party to government. He is the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and was leader of the Conservative Party from September 2001 to October 2003. He resigned and was succeeded as party leader by Michael Howard.