Nigel Farage returns to the House of Commons after winning the Clacton by-election (Image: UK Parliament / PA)
If ever there was an example of cold-hearted cynicism, it is 100 Labour MPs backing a commission to investigate changing our voting system from first past the post (FPTP) to proportional representation (PR). Under our FPTP system, the candidate with the most votes wins in any constituency even without a majority of votes. Under PR however, seats would be allocated to roughly reflect the percentage of votes.
This idea would have no legs except, under FPTP, Sir Keir Starmer got his stonking great majority, but – on current polling – Labour would lose badly. Think of all those MPs out of a job under King Andy. With PR, Labour could perhaps cobble together a ragtag pan-Left, traffic-light coalition with the Greens and Lib Dems (and maybe even the SNP, shudder!).
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To make matters worse, the newly crowned PM has repeatedly declared his support for PR. Presumably he is happy with coalitions, especially since – under PR – voters are inclined to vote for smaller parties.
What we are witnessing with Labour MPs is nakedly self-serving.
For a man too chicken to call an election to get his own mandate – even with some brief honeymoon polling – any move on PR, as a matter of basic decency and respect for the people, would demand a general election.
Labour MPs at least have shown their true colours.
Nigel Farage returns to the House of Commons after winning the Clacton by-election (Image: UK Parliament / PA)
If ever there was an example of cold-hearted cynicism, it is 100 Labour MPs backing a commission to investigate changing our voting system from first past the post (FPTP) to proportional representation (PR). Under our FPTP system, the candidate with the most votes wins in any constituency even without a majority of votes. Under PR however, seats would be allocated to roughly reflect the percentage of votes.
This idea would have no legs except, under FPTP, Sir Keir Starmer got his stonking great majority, but – on current polling – Labour would lose badly. Think of all those MPs out of a job under King Andy. With PR, Labour could perhaps cobble together a ragtag pan-Left, traffic-light coalition with the Greens and Lib Dems (and maybe even the SNP, shudder!).
Get the latest politics news – straight from our team in Westminster and more Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
To make matters worse, the newly crowned PM has repeatedly declared his support for PR. Presumably he is happy with coalitions, especially since – under PR – voters are inclined to vote for smaller parties.
What we are witnessing with Labour MPs is nakedly self-serving.
For a man too chicken to call an election to get his own mandate – even with some brief honeymoon polling – any move on PR, as a matter of basic decency and respect for the people, would demand a general election.
Labour MPs at least have shown their true colours.