THE Labour Party last week suffered its worst General Election defeat since 1935.
A period of reflection will follow as Labour supporters reflect on different factors.
However, closer examination of Labour’s electoral history does suggest another factor.
Since replacing the old Liberal Party as the official opposition in the 1920s, Labour has only been in government on its own for about a third of that time. Does this mean the First Past The Post (FPTP) electoral system has a bias towards the Conservatives?
As Labour presses the reset button, I have no doubt that decent Labour people will reflect on why they are involved in politics, and their passion on things like taking action on climate change and addressing income inequality.
Countries who use Proportional Representation (PR) electoral systems have produced very favourable outcomes on a range of issues like action on the environment, income equality, and gender balance in politics.
In days gone by, Labour could rely on taking the majority of Scottish MPs. With Labour north of the border now reduced to just one MP, this surely highlights how difficult achieving an overall Commons majority will be going forward.
Even if Labour could one day achieve a Commons majority, there is always the certainty that eventually things do swing back to the Conservatives.
Against this evidence, Labour’s past support of FPTP has been a huge historical mistake.
To help the Labour Party correct this historical mistake, people can take one of two actions.
If like me, you are someone who has in the past not always voted Labour, then take a solemn vow not to even consider voting Labour, until such a time when the Labour Party does formally adopt a position in support of electoral reform.
If you are Labour through and through, then I encourage you to consider joining the Labour Party (if you are not already a member), with a view towards then becoming a member of the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform (LCER).
ANDY WATSON Bewsey
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel