More than 60 Labour MPs call for review of first-past-the-post voting

The news

More than 60 MPs are calling for a rethink of the UK's first-past-the-post voting system, which they have labelled broken. They are backing a new national commission to examine the current system for elections to the House of Commons and recommend reforms. The amendment's signatories include select committee chairs Ruth Cadbury, Cat Smith and Helen Hayes. In 2022, Labour members at the party's annual conference voted in favour of a commitment to introduce proportional representation for general elections.

What's at stake

The first-past-the-post system awards seats to the candidate with the most votes in each constituency. Proportional systems are already used for elections to the Scottish and Welsh parliaments. Critics have long said the first-past-the-post system means candidates can be elected on a relatively low share of the vote, undermining democracy. Defenders say it means decisive results and, in theory, more stable government.

The Conservatives want to stick with first past the post. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supported electoral reform during his bid to become Labour leader in 2020 but has since dropped his pledge and did not include it in the party's 2024 general election manifesto.

The case for

A commission could recommend changes that better match seats to votes. Proportional representation would reduce the number of wasted votes and give smaller parties a fairer chance of winning seats. Scotland and Wales already use proportional systems for their parliaments, showing that alternatives can deliver stable governments while reflecting a wider range of voter preferences.

The case against

First-past-the-post delivers clear winners and stable governments. The system produces decisive results that allow the winning party to form a government without needing to negotiate coalitions. This clarity helps voters understand who is responsible for decisions and makes it easier to remove governments at the next election.

Why it matters now

The bill is expected to return to the Commons next month. If the commission is established it could examine options for reform ahead of future general elections. If the proposal is rejected the current first-past-the-post system would remain in place for the next parliamentary term.

Further reading

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