There has been a lot of talk of late that the two upcoming Westminster by-elections should be used as a trial exercise for a progressive alliance (PA). The proposed trial? The Lib Dems would run, essentially unopposed, against a Conservative in the Buckinghamshire constituency of Chesham and Amersham while Labour would have a similar clear […]
The humbling in Hartlepool: an open letter to Keir Starmer
As a result of Labour’s humbling in the Hartlepool by-election last week, several commentators have suggested that you, as Labour leader, are planning to conduct what is often called a “wide-ranging policy review.” As a cross party/no party campaign group for electoral reform, we wish you good luck in this important enterprise. It gives us […]
Can Proportional Representation save Labour – and the country?
Whether the next General Election is held in 2024 or earlier, Labour faces a huge challenge. It is generally acknowledged that should the main opposition party suffer its fifth electoral defeat in a row, its survival as the oldest ‘social democratic party’ in the Western World will be at stake. A review of why Labour […]
Cook & Mowlam: Labour pioneers for electoral fairness
Keir Hardie, the founder of the Labour Party, was an early advocate of proportional representation (PR). Two leading figures in the Labour Party during the Thatcher, Major and Blair years were also strong supporters of PR: Robin Cook and Marjorie (Mo) Mowlam. Unfortunately, like Hardie, Cook and Mowlam both died in their 50s (and both […]
Ten years after the AV referendum: what are the lessons?
By Ian Glenister Ever tried to persuade someone of the need for electoral reform? Perhaps you’ve lamented the recent election results over a pint with a friend and wondered how a party with minority public backing can somehow get a whopping great majority to do what they like to the country. You might then have […]