Andy Burnham warned of ‘major missed opportunities’ as government refuses to hear key elections bill amendments
The government did not hear amendments on introducing a donations cap or electoral reform
Andy Burnham has been warned that his government has “missed opportunities” to reform British democracy by failing to introduce a donations cap or changes to the voting system in its elections bill.
The Representation of the People Bill passed its third reading yesterday, but key amendments from backbenchers on voting reform and a donations cap were not heard.
Campaign group Unlock Democracy has branded the government’s failure to act on electoral reform and barriers to overseas voting “major missed opportunities”.
Alex Sobel MP’s amendment, which called for a national commission to review alternatives to first-past-the-post for UK elections, was ruled out of scope by the Commons speaker.
This is despite widespread support for the amendment, which 185 MPs signed.
Democracy minister Florence Eshalomi responded to the amendment saying: “The government’s priority is a politics that works for all people in all places, not some people in some places. The Prime Minister remains committed to electoral reform as a way of supporting that objective.
“However, we must be honest, this is a complex constitutional matter and it is premature to legislate now for one approach. I would be very happy to meet with many Members from across the House to hear their views, and look at how we can work on a strong proposal and discuss the next steps.”
Tom Brake called the decision to rule the amendment out of scope “palpably absurd and an embarrassment”.
Brake said: “The Prime Minister says he wants to build cross-party consensus on changing the voting system before the next election. An independent commission is the best way to do that. It would put reform above the immediate interests of any one party and help build support for a lasting settlement.”
Labour MP Stella Creasy tabled two amendments on introducing a donations cap, neither of which were considered or voted on during the bill’s third reading yesterday.
One of her proposals, which was signed by more than 60 MPs, called for an immediate £500,000 limit which would reduce to £100,000 in the second calendar year.
The other called for a £100,000 cap on donations and was sponsored by 45 MPs.
On the government’s commitment to tackle “mega donors” in UK politics, Brake welcomed the fact that Angela Rayner and Louise Haigh have asked the Electoral Commission to review political spending limits.
Democracy Minister Florence Eshalomi announced a cross-government taskforce to tackle the issue of “UK-based mega-donors” during yesterday’s elections bill debate.
However, Brake added that “the Ministers’ statement from the despatch box leaves important questions unanswered. We know nothing about its membership, the options it will consider or when it is expected to report. A promise to act “as soon as possible” offers no guarantee that reforms will be in place before the next general election.
“These reviews must deliver real reform, not provide an excuse for putting off difficult decisions. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating – and whether the government is prepared to restrict the influence of big money in our politics.”
Olivia Barber is a reporter at Left Foot Forward
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