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Burnham Should Take the First Steps Towards Electoral Reform in His First 100 Days
The first 100 days of a new government often set the tone for the rest of its term. They provide an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, deliver on campaign promises, and establish a clear direction for the country. If Andy Burnham were to become Prime Minister, one of the most significant reforms he could pursue during this period would be electoral reform. Although changing the UK’s voting system is a complex and controversial issue, taking the first steps toward reform would strengthen democracy, improve public trust in politics, and create a more representative political system.
For decades, the United Kingdom has used the First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system for general elections. Under this system, the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, regardless of whether they receive an absolute majority. While FPTP is praised for producing clear election outcomes and often leading to stable governments, critics argue that it no longer reflects the diverse political views of modern Britain. Millions of votes cast for losing candidates do not directly influence the final result, leaving many voters feeling that their voices are ignored.
One of the strongest arguments for electoral reform is fairness. In recent elections, some political parties have received a significant share of the national vote but won relatively few seats in Parliament. Conversely, larger parties have often secured substantial parliamentary majorities without receiving a majority of the popular vote. This imbalance raises questions about whether Parliament accurately reflects the preferences of the electorate. A more proportional voting system could help ensure that the number of seats won by each party more closely matches the share of votes it receives.
Another reason to begin electoral reform early is to rebuild public confidence in politics. Surveys consistently show that trust in politicians and political institutions has declined over the years. Many citizens believe that their vote makes little difference, particularly if they live in constituencies considered “safe seats,” where one party has historically dominated elections. Introducing reforms that give voters a greater sense of influence could encourage higher voter turnout and greater civic participation.
Burnham could begin by establishing an independent commission to examine alternative electoral systems. Rather than imposing immediate changes, such a commission would gather evidence, consult experts, and seek public input before making recommendations. This measured approach would allow for informed debate while demonstrating the government’s commitment to democratic renewal.
Public consultation would also be essential. Electoral reform affects every voter, and any significant change should have broad public support. Citizens’ assemblies, parliamentary committees, and nationwide consultations could provide opportunities for people from different backgrounds to express their views. Some advocates even argue that a national referendum should be held before any new voting system is adopted, ensuring that the decision carries democratic legitimacy.
Supporters of proportional representation argue that it would encourage cooperation between political parties. Coalition governments, which are more common under proportional systems, often require parties to negotiate and compromise. While some critics view coalitions as less stable, supporters believe they can produce more balanced and inclusive policymaking by incorporating a wider range of political perspectives.
Electoral reform could also improve political representation. Women, ethnic minorities, younger candidates, and smaller political parties may have greater opportunities to gain seats under systems that better reflect the diversity of public opinion. A Parliament that mirrors the country’s social and political diversity could strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
However, electoral reform is not without its critics. Defenders of the current system argue that First Past the Post produces strong governments capable of making decisive decisions. They contend that proportional representation may lead to fragmented parliaments, frequent coalition negotiations, and political instability. Countries using proportional systems have sometimes experienced lengthy government formation processes, although others have maintained stable coalition governments for many years.
Another challenge is that electoral reform is unlikely to be among the government’s most urgent priorities. A new administration would also face pressing issues such as economic growth, healthcare, housing, public services, and international relations. Some voters may question whether changing the voting system should take precedence over these immediate concerns.
For this reason, Burnham’s first 100 days should focus on laying the foundations rather than implementing sweeping reforms. Establishing an independent review, launching public consultations, and introducing legislation to begin the reform process would demonstrate commitment without distracting from other national priorities. Such an approach would allow careful consideration of different options while maintaining public confidence.
International experience offers useful lessons. Countries such as Germany and New Zealand have adopted proportional or mixed electoral systems while maintaining stable democratic institutions. Their experiences suggest that electoral reform can succeed when accompanied by clear public communication, broad political consensus, and careful planning. At the same time, every country’s political traditions are unique, meaning that any UK reforms would need to reflect Britain’s constitutional framework and democratic culture.
Ultimately, electoral reform is about ensuring that democracy evolves to meet the expectations of modern society. Whether Britain retains First Past the Post or adopts a different system, the debate deserves careful consideration rather than being postponed indefinitely. Beginning the conversation early in a new government’s term would signal a willingness to address long-standing concerns about political representation and democratic legitimacy.
In conclusion, Andy Burnham should use his first 100 days in office to begin the process of electoral reform. By establishing an independent commission, consulting the public, and encouraging informed debate, he could lay the groundwork for meaningful democratic change. While any final decision should be based on broad consensus and careful evaluation, taking these initial steps would demonstrate a commitment to strengthening British democracy, increasing public trust, and ensuring that Parliament more accurately reflects the voices of the people.