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

Banning urban pesticide use image

Banning urban pesticide use

RSPB and PAN are working on a letter from local councillors calling on the Government to introduce a national ban on urban pesticide use. Find out more below.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Planning and Coastal Management

East Suffolk Council
£87,358 - £99,018 per annum, plus benefits
Following a restructure which has placed the current postholder in a critically important role East Suffolk
Recuriter: East Suffolk Council

Deputyship Caseworker

Essex County Council
£23344 - £26620 per annum
Deputyship CaseworkerPermanent, Full TimeUp to £24,309 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Engineer

Bristol City Council
£40,221 - £51,515
As part of a friendly and enthusiastic team, you will play an important role in designing innovative urban transport and public realm projects 100 Temple Street Redcliff Bristol BS1 6AN
Recuriter: Bristol City Council

Intelligence Manager - Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Essex County Council
Up to £69262 per annum
Intelligence Manager - Quantitative and Qualitative ResearchFixed Term, Full Timeup to £69,262 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Research Strategy and Governance Manager

Essex County Council
Up to £70364 per annum
Research Strategy and Governance ManagerFixed Term, Full Timeup to £70,364 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.