14 September 2021

Labour under pressure to commit to voting reform

Labour under pressure to commit to voting reform image

Pressure is mounting on the Labour Party to commit to reforming the voting system in its next manifesto.

The party is set to debate adopting Proportional Representation (PR) for General Elections at its annual conference.

The system would see each party take a number of seats based on its share of the vote.

Motions have been submitted by 143 local parties in favour of changing the first past the post system currently in use, more than on any issue in previous years other than Brexit.

Almost half of constituency Labour parties have also formally passed policies in favour of PR, while recent polling showed 83% of members believed the party should support the introduction of a proportional voting system.

The coalition ‘Labour for a New Democracy’ has pressed for the policy to be debated at the conference in Brighton later this month.

Member Caroline Osborne said: ‘So many important issues will be debated at this year’s conference, but it is clear that Labour’s members see reform of our democratic system as fundamental to changing our society.’

The coalition has received backing from the Electoral Reform Society. Senior director Willie Sullivan said: ‘Keir Starmer pledged to address the failings of Westminster’s warped voting system during the leadership contest, and this conference is a chance to do that, backing the overwhelming calls for political reform.

‘Voters want political equality, and Labour should seize the chance to build a much better  democracy.’

Photo: ComposedPix / Shutterstock.com

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Accounting Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Accounting OfficerPermanent, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 to £14.13 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team Settle, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

HR Business Partner

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 pro rata per annum
Health and Social Care Services have the privilege and responsibility of supporting people and their families when they need it the most. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Building Surveyor (Building Control)

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 to £44,075
Join our energetic and collaborative Building Control team, where your ideas will shine, and your voice will be heard. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Occupational Health Technician

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC15 £30,024
Could you play a vital role in protecting and promoting the wellbeing of an entire workforce? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner