There have been a lot of political firsts this year: Labour’s supermajority, Reform UK’s Westminster seats and the incorporation of an, er, bungee jump into the Liberal Democrat election campaign. Now all eyes are on a curious development in Westminster today that has the potential to alter the UK’s entire voting system…
In a rather interesting move, the Commons voted this afternoon to introduce a bill to legislate on proportional representation. The ten minute rule motion was introduced by Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney and calls for:
Leave [to] be given to bring in a Bill to introduce a system of proportional representation for parliamentary elections and for local government elections in England; and for connected purposes.
Olney’s motion narrowly passed by 138 Ayes to 136 Noes – receiving cross-party support from most Liberal Democrat parliamentarians, a chunk of Starmer’s army and a handful of Green and Independent politicians. Those opposing the issue included the majority of Kemi Badenoch’s boys in blue, while Sir Keir’s party demonstrated its uncertainty over the idea with a rather large bloc voting against the PR proposal.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in