Labour one step closer to electoral reform
Thanks to the determination of Labour members and trade unionists all over the UK, 2023 has already seen another significant step forward for electoral reform in the Labour Party.
We hope everyone who has supported and participated in the campaign gets a well-deserved break during the rest of the summer - and will be energised to return to campaigning in September as we prepare for Labour Party conference.
When we return, our focus is clear. We need to take Labour's condemnation of First Past the Post - endorsed by everyone from membership reps to the Shadow Cabinet - and challenge the party to respond to it.
A party cannot credibly recognise a source of "distrust and alienation in politics" and not address it - especially if that party has set out a goal of "restoring trust in politics".
Read a new Labour List article by Labour for a New Democracy's Joe Sousek and Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform’s Sandy Martin setting out what was achieved at the National Policy Forum - and where it takes the campaign.
Plus, check out Ann Black’s report on the National Policy Forum - including the PR debate.
Labour is one step closer to electoral reform
Joe Sousek & Sandy Martin
“In a major step forwards for electoral reform, Labour's National Policy Forum (NPF) has formally recognised that the UK's current voting system is driving "alienation and distrust" in our politics. Labour policy now reflects the fact that First Past the Post is both flawed and having deeply damaging effects on British democracy, piling pressure on the party to address the problems it has identified…”
🥀 Labour cannot credibly recognise a source of "distrust & alienation" in politics and not address it.
— LCER (@Labour4PR) July 31, 2023
🌹 If we are to "restore trust in politics" the next Labour government must give everyone a vote that counts.
👀 Read the full story on @LabourList https://t.co/xQhotmkXaB pic.twitter.com/AsrG9kZimL
Ann Black’s NPF Report
By Ann Black
“I also seconded one of the motions on electoral reform. Most speakers in the workshop supported a more proportional system for the Commons, as backed by conference and a clear majority of members, but some took different views and after discussion all sides agreed to accept the words in the draft document… A good example of how to encourage supporters with what has been achieved rather than complaining about what is still to be won, and a lesson in positivity from which other stakeholders could learn...”
Anneliese Dodds, chair of the NPF, thanked everyone for laying the foundations of Labour’s manifesto. Members shared their experiences, and everyone who was actually present at the weekend, including most trade union comrades, was positive about their achievements and proud.
— Ann Black for Labour NEC (@AnnBlackLabour) July 28, 2023
