Majority of MPs back review of UK voting system, new YouGov poll reveals
MPs are pushing Andy Burnham to establish a National Commission on voting reform in his first 100 days as prime minister
A majority of MPs are in favour of setting up a National Commission to review the UK’s voting system, according to new polling by YouGov.
The proposal for a National Commission, which the Prime Minister endorsed at last year’s Labour Party conference, is supported by 53% of all MPs, with just 34% opposed.
Among Labour MPs, support for a review of the voting system is even higher, with 55% in favour and just 29% against.
Andy Burnham has repeatedly said he supports proportional representation. However, he said in a recent Observer interview that he would seek a “popular mandate” to enact voting reform with a manifesto commitment at the next general election.
Labour MPs want Burnham to move quicker and establish a National Commission on voting reform in his first 100 days as prime minister.
Labour MP, Rachel Blake, said: “These results are no surprise. The Parliamentary Labour Party agrees with Andy Burnham that First Past the Post is broken – and that a National Commission is the way to get a grip on it.
“The Government should press ahead and launch this process within the Prime Minister’s first hundred days.”
The Representation of the People Bill will return to Parliament next Wednesday (2 September).
Labour MP Alex Sobel has tabled an amendment calling for a National Commission on Electoral Reform.
The amendment has been signed by 185 cross-party MPs, attracting more signatures than any other amendment since the last general election.
Alex Sobel MP said: “My amendment to establish a National Commission on Electoral Reform has already been signed by 185 MPs – more than any other amendment this parliament.
“Now we know a majority of MPs back this proposal, including a majority of Labour MPs. The Government has an opportunity to do something historic when Parliament returns – and set the UK on a road towards fair, modern general elections.”
Make Votes Matter CEO, Emma Harrison, said: “MPs are finally starting to catch up with the public, most of whom support fair elections for Westminster. I’ve spoken alongside Andy in favour of Proportional Representation, I know he supports it – now he must show the public he deserves our trust and launch a National Commission on Electoral Reform.”
Olivia Barber is a reporter at Left Foot Forward
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