It is easy, when discussing changes to our electoral system, to become side-tracked by desired results. Debate often centres, with disconcerting selfishness, on how proportional representation (PR) might be more likely to deliver the kind of governments we want. Left-of-centre advocates for reform point to a consistent “anti-Tory” majority stretching back decades, stating – with […]
PR and the Constituency link
‘I cannot support a system that breaks the constituency link’ How many times have we all heard that one? It is one of the oldest lines trotted out in support of the winner-takes-all system. And it’s often deployed by MPs elected under that very system, in reply to constituents asking them to support a move […]
Will a Referendum really get us PR?
Holding a referendum on proportional representation (PR) is precisely NOT the way to create a more equitable voting system (and better government). That was the upfront message recently passed on to UK electoral reform activists by the former president of the most experienced pro-PR campaign group in the world, FAIR VOTE CANADA (FVC): Our experiences […]
The Tories’ “Nightmare Before Christmas”
At first glance, the stunning LibDem by-election victory yesterday (17 December) in North Shropshire would NOT seem to point to the need for electoral reform and the creation of an electoral pact to pull off such a legislative feat. In fact, precisely the opposite. After all, successful LibDem candidate Helen Morgan more than tripled her […]
HOW THE LEFT GAINS BY PR: THE FINNISH EXAMPLE
The usual knock-back by British lefties against proportional representation (PR) is that it generates moderate governments and keeps the left out of power. Better to try “one last heave” and hope that the full socialist programme of a democratic socialist party wins the endorsement of enough voters to gain power. Then it will be “game […]