Laura Sharman William Eichler 03 July 2019

Alliance calls for voting reforms to fix 'failing' system

Political parties and civil society groups have signed the Good Systems Agreement calling for reforms to the UK's voting system.

The agreement, prepared by Making Votes Matter, calls for the first-past-the-post system to be replaced with proportional representation.

The Green Party, Lib Dems, the Brexit Party, Plaid Cymru, SNP and the Women's Equality Party are calling for a citizens' assembly to be set up to develop the new system.

Cllr Jonathan Bartley co-leader of the Green Party? said: 'It is very tempting to blame individuals for the disastrous state of Britain today, the Brexit chaos, the poverty and inequality, the insecurity and mental health crisis, the dreadful state of our natural world and the climate chaos. But it is clear that the failure is systemic.'

Speaking at the LGA annual conference, Cllr Bartley said there needs to be a 'radical' shift of power to tackle the challenges facing Britain today.

'Local government is not democratic because it isn't allowed to be by central Government,' he said.

He joined the call for a 'fairer' voting system at a local level, backed up by a written constitution.

He also said democracy used to be called Localism until Eric Pickles 'derided the word into oblivion'.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Lead Social Worker WMF2939e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£47,181 to £48,226
We have an exciting opportunity for the role of Lead Social Worker in the Learning Disability, Transition and Autism Team Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Streetworks Compliance Officer WMF2942e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£36,363.00 - £37,280.00
The Streetworks Compliance Officer role within the Highways Service plays a vital part in managing and overseeing streetworks Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Family Hub Practitioner - WMF2923e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£32,061 - £32,597
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Family Hub Practitioner in the Best Start Family Hubs Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 pro rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a part time temporary 24 month contract Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services. WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£37,101- £45,352
KS2 Class Teacher (Maternity Cover)  This is a maternity cover post and will continue until the substantive post holder returns. The successful candid Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner