LOCAL Liberal Democrat Councillors were shocked at a U-turn by Labour Councillors on a change to a fairer voting system at a recent meeting on Warrington Full Council.
At a Council meeting in October 2022, all but three Labour councillors voted for a change. At the Council meeting on 15 June, they unanimously voted against a Motion calling for a fairer system.
Councillor Ian Marks who proposed the Motion said, “This U-turn surprised us because a recent poll showed that two thirds of Labour members are in favour of electoral reform. They were clearly whipped to vote against, regardless of their personal views. In 2022 a motion in favour was voted through at a Labour Party Conference. Support for a fairer system is also growing amongst the public.
In his election campaign Andy Burnham said that introducing electoral reform is essential to restoring public trust in democracy. He believes it should be part of Labour’s next election manifesto. He became Elected Mayor in Manchester under a Supplementary Vote system which gives voters a second as well as a first choice. I know many Labour Councillors have been out and about in Ashton & Makerfield supporting Andy Burnham, but I’m sure he doesn’t know that they oppose one of his flagship policies.
“A fairer system is the best way of preventing a far-right government in this country. There is also evidence that countries with proportional representation have lower income inequality, lower poverty, higher growth, lower unemployment and lower inflation.”
Cllr Helen Speed who seconded the Motion added, “The First Past the Post system we now have was designed for a very different political era which was effectively a two-party system. We now have a multi-party system with diverse views but a voting system that struggles to reflect that reality. Proportional systems are already used in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so why not England?
“For Liberal Democrats, it is a long-standing principle that every vote should matter and voters should not be forced into tactical voting. Proportional representation of any kind would encourage co-operation and accountability and not distort outcomes. This Motion is asking for the Government to engage in cross-party discussion and take a serious look at reform. We need to strengthen democracy, restore confidence and ensure that voices are properly heard. I am just sorry that Labour has turned their back on the tide for change.”
