Labour set to debate proportional representation as delegates back motion in priorities ballot
- Proportional Representation selected for debate
- CLP delegates voted to make electoral reform top priority at conference
- L4ND will host #Labour4PR Rally tonight featuring speakers from across the Labour movement
Labour conference set to debate support for proportional representation on conference floor after delegates backed motion in priorities 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 Anas Sarwar MSP, Nadia Whittome MP, John McDonnell MP and more [2].
Speaking last night at a Labour for a New Democracy fringe Mark Drakeford MS, 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.”
