This week, the Representation of the People Bill returns to the Commons for its Report Stage, where MPs can suggest amendments.
This Bill will make our democracy fairer, safer and more inclusive but we can make it even better.
Our voting system is not fit for purpose.
Voters are relying on dodgy bar charts to figure out where their cross is best placed.
We need a system that allows electors to cast their vote with their heart and one that creates a chamber that truly reflects the views of the nation.
Countries that have proportional voting systems tends to have a collaborative political culture, as one party usually does not command a majority. That’s what we need– a culture of problem solving not point scoring.
It’s why I am backing Alex Sobel’s amendment which would establish a National Commission for Electoral Reform. This would bring citizens and experts together to form a consensus on a fairer alternative to First Past the Post.
And the government could go further on tightening the rules around political donations.
In 2023, political parties reported £93 million in donations, two-thirds of that money came from 19 individuals. There’s no way that parties ought to be able to take these sums of money.
In the long term, we ought to overhaul this system entirely– in Seattle residents are given vouchers that they can allocate to candidates. This sort of system would empower citizens over corporations. But in the short term – I am supporting proposals to cap donations so that the wealthiest can no longer disproportionately shape our democratic system through their wallets and limitless cheques.
