Labour delegates back motion calling on party to back PR (UK)

[brooklynite]

The Guardian

The Labour conference has overwhelmingly backed a motion calling on the party to embrace a proportional electoral system, sparking celebrations from campaigners even though Keir Starmer seems certain to ignore the move.

The motion, which says a Labour government should ditch the current first-past-the-post system in favour of a form of proportional representation (PR), passed easily via a show of hands in the conference hall in Liverpool, prompting loud cheers.

Saying the current system “has catastrophically failed to represent people’s wishes, needs and votes”, the motion argues that first past the post is damaging and “Labour must commit to fixing it”.

The motion based on one submitted by about 140 local parties, says the form of PR used should retain constituency links. It ends: “Labour must make a commitment to introduce proportional representation for general elections in the next manifesto.”

[ColinC]

1. Normally I would be ecstatic about the idea barring one reality

One of the main countries that uses proportional representation (Italy), just elected a right win extremist.

[brooklynite]

2. Actually, they use both.

1/3 of seats of first past the post districts, and 2/3 are proportional representation.

Neither is a particular cause of an extreme Government if that's what the voters want.

[ColinC]

3. Thanks!

Yeah. At the end of the day extremism can't be avoided if, like you say, people want it.