Your report (Labour MPs will push Burnham to back voting reform in first 100 days, 25 August) says: “The UK last rejected electoral reform in 2011 after a referendum [on] whether to change to an alternative vote system.” Many people do not realise that the referendum was not about a proportional electoral system. While the alternative vote is the best way to elect a single person, it really doesn’t work for a government.
That referendum was primarily a popularity contest for Nick Clegg, and it is no surprise that he was rejected, predominantly by people who were not aware of the actual terms of the referendum. A national commission, taking evidence from people across the country, followed by a general election that includes a manifesto commitment to changing the system, will be a far more reliable and accurate representation of the views of the British people than a referendum is ever likely to be.
Sandy Martin
Chair, Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform
