Alan Johnson proposes electoral reform

Alan Johnson became the first cabinet minister to break cover and demand that the public be asked if they want to elect MPs with a system of proportional representation. In an article in The Times on 25th May 2009 he proposed that a referendum be held on the same day as the next general election.

Let the people decide

Johnson wrote:

My proposal is that we offer the public the two options of AV+ and FPTP. We should debate these two alternatives freely and openly with no party whip and no government recommendation. Then on the date of the next general election we should have a national referendum and let the people decide.

Rotten Borough

Labour came to office in 1997 on a commitment to reform the Westminster voting system. They established the Jenkins Commission to review the options. Labour introduced PR for elections to the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Mayor of London. Only local authorities and Westminster still employ first-past-the-post. Half of Westminster - the House of Lords - doesn't allow any voting.

Public ready for change

In a BBC interview Johnson said:

The mood of the public now is now in favour of a root and branch look at how our democracy works... as Tom Stoppard once said: 'It's not voting that defines a democracy, it's how those votes are counted.'

John Denham calls for electoral reform

Tuesday 26th May 2009 - a second cabinet member has called for a referendum on electoral reform. John Denham, Secretary for Innovation, told the press: 'One of the ways we can reconnect politicians with the voters is to increase the power of the voters. Letting people choose the electoral system would be a huge step forward.'

Up to a hundred Labour MPs could support the referendum proposal. They plan a House of Commons motion next week.