I am regularly contacted by constituents who would like to see political reform in the UK and, as some may be aware, this issue was last debated in the House of Commons on the 30th of January 2025. If constituents are interested, you can access the debate transcript here:
Proportional Representation: General Elections - Hansard - UK Parliament
Although each of the systems put forward for discussion was shown to have pros and cons, I am aware the PR system was lauded for being modern and practiced by many, much younger democracies than ours. However, I would point out our country has elected more stable Governments than most European nations have under proportional representation and our democracy has stood the test for time for generations. I do understand the passion to try and improve the UK’s political system and it is crucial that as politicians we always look for ways to improve. Nonetheless, I believe we should be proud of the peaceful and democratic way we have governed ourselves as a nation for so many years.
While no system is perfect, I do fully support First Past the Post (FPTP). FPTP is a tried-and-tested system that ensures stability and clear governance. It prevents disproportionate influence by minority parties with minimal public support who typically end up holding the balance of power in Proportional Representation (PR) systems. That structure can also make it easier for extremist views to find official representation.
The British people were clear on this matter in a referendum on voting systems in 2011. FPTP is well established and understood by voters. It provides a clear and robust way of electing Members of Parliament and there is an unambiguous link between constituents and their representatives in Westminster.
For the most part, FPTP produces governments with working majorities in Parliament which is needed for efficient and effective decision-making. FPTP also allows for the formation of a strong opposition party that can provide a check on the power of the government of the day, allowing for effective scrutiny. I believe that alternative systems are less transparent, more complicated and less likely to lead to effective government.
For these reasons, I do not believe a citizens' assembly on electoral reform or a change to our electoral system is necessary. Indeed, I would like to point out that the United Kingdom already has a citizens’ assembly – in the form of the House of Commons – which is made up of public representatives, directly selected by the British people, in every part of the country.
Finally, I am not aware of any plans from the Government to amend their Representation of the People Bill to provide for the replacement of first-past-the-post.
Indeed, on 2 December 2024, the then Deputy Prime Minister said this Government would not set up a national commission and would not examine proportional representation any further while Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rushanara Ali MP, responding for the Labour Government at the end of the debate on 30th of January 2025, stated,
‘The UK’s democratic system and institutions are strong and are rightly held the world over as a strong example of democracy…at this time the Government have no plans to change the voting system for elections to the House of Commons.’
I hope you understand that, for the reasons set out above, I would not support any such amendment, regardless.
I do agree that upholding public trust is absolutely essential to maintaining a robust political system but am not so sure as others that the loss of trust this country has experienced over recent decades is simply down to the system we use to elect our politicians.
I hope this response explains why I believe using the FPTP system for UK parliamentary elections remains the best option for the UK's voters and decisive government.
