Labour conference is set to debate support for
proportional representation on the conference floor after
delegates backed a motion in a ballot.
The result shows the overwhelming demand for proportional
representation within the Labour movement after 140 CLPs
submitted motions to conference in support of PR this year.
Since last year’s conference, support has grown significantly
within the trade union movement with a majority of affiliated
unions in favour of electoral reform, including both Unite and
Unison.
This bolsters the significant support for PR across the Labour
Party with over 80% of members and the majority of CLPs now
calling for Labour to introduce PR in its first term in
government.
This is the second year in a row proportional representation has
been debated at conference - a similar motion was backed by 80%
of CLP delegates in 2021 but was narrowly defeated due to a lack
of union support.
Laura Parker, Labour for a New Democracy
said:
“This is a huge step forward in the campaign within the Labour
Party for fair votes. Today’s vote is confirmation of what we
know – the Labour Party is united in its support for proportional
representation.
“Labour members will not be cowed by the right-wing press –
afraid of what an end to the status quo would mean for them and
their politics.
“Our current electoral system isn’t working. Millions of people
are seeing their votes and their voices ignored by a government
they didn’t vote for. The result is a politics that ignores the
needs of ordinary people and has failed the country on everything
from the cost of living to the climate crisis.
“There is not just an unprecedented level of support across the
Labour Party for reforming our electoral system but across the
public too [1]. The time for change is now and Labour must
deliver the fair voting system that we all need.”
Ahead of tomorrow/Tuesday’s vote supporters and delegates will
tonight join #Labour4PR Rally featuring speakers including , , MP and more [2].
Speaking last night at a Labour for a New Democracy
fringe , First Minister of Wales
said:
“I’m a supporter of PR because in a democracy every vote ought to
count and every vote ought to have the same value – and that’s
what a PR system provides for people.
“At this conference the way our democracy works is absolutely on
the agenda.
“It’s absolutely fundamental to the things that matter to people
that they get the government they vote for. Under our current
system there is no guarantee of that.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For all enquiries
contact Jon Narcross on 07794 728 820 or jon.narcross@electoral-reform.org.uk
Labour for a New Democracy (L4ND) is a coalition created to
secure a commitment to Proportional Representation (PR). It is
backed by Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform, Make Votes
Matter, Compass, Chartist Magazine, Electoral Reform Society,
Unlock Democracy, Open Labour, Another Europe is Possible,
Politics for the Many, and Labour for a European
Future. www.l4nd.org.uk
[1] https://www.bsa.natcen.ac.uk/latest-report/british-social-attitudes-39/constitutional-reform.aspx
[2] https://www.labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk/event-listings/rally-make-fptp-history
