Campaigners hail ‘historic moment’ as Andy Burnham announces national commission on electoral reform
The prime minister has taken the next step towards changing the voting system
Andy Burnham has used his first speech at Labour conference as prime minister to announce that he will establish a national commission on voting reform.
His announcement comes after he told a Labour for a New Democracy conference rally last year that proportional representation was “an idea whose time has come”.
In his speech this afternoon, the prime minister said: “In past years, you have voted twice to support electoral reform. I hear you. I agree with you.
“And today I am announcing a new National Commission on Electoral Reform. I invite all the political parties to be part of its work.”
Reacting to the news, Make Votes Matter CEO Emma Harrison said:“This is a historic moment. For too long, our dysfunctional voting system has denied millions of people a meaningful say over who governs them. It has undermined trust in our democracy and delivered nothing but chaos and seven Prime Ministers in a decade.
“Andy Burnham now has the opportunity to be remembered as the Prime Minister who changed British politics for good.”
Laura Parker from Labour for a New Democracy said: “This is fantastic news -and decisive leadership from a Prime Minister who understands we need to rebuild trust in democracy.
“Our voting system is bust. The public knows it, an overwhelming majority across Labour know it, and now a Labour Prime Minister has committed to doing something about it. Ensuring everyone – in every place – will have a vote that counts”.
Tom Brake, Chief Executive of Unlock Democracy, commented: “The PM is right that First Past the Post needs replacing. It bakes in volatility and robs millions of voters of fair representation.
“A year ago this week, Andy Burnham told a conference event that ‘PR is an idea whose time has come.’
“An independent national commission is the best way to transform the idea of electoral reform into a lasting settlement that commands broad support.”
Earlier this month, Labour MP Alex Sobel tabled an amendment to the People’s Representation Bill calling for a commission on voting reform which was signed by almost 200 MPs.
Olivia Barber is a reporter at Left Foot Forward
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