Tom Gordon MP backs successful motion calling for Proportional Representation in UK elections

Today, Tom Gordon MP voted in favour of a bill brought by fellow Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney, calling for the government to introduce a form of Proportional Representation to UK wide and English local elections. 

The bill entered Parliament as a ‘ten minute rule bill’, that will not be debated again. However, MPs voting in favour is a very important symbolic moment, representing the massively increased support for proportional representation in the UK. 

The success of this bill will pile the pressure on the Labour Government to introduce proportional representation, which is also official Labour party policy. At the General Election in July, the UK’s first past the post system handed them a massive majority in Parliament, winning 411 or 63% of seats on just 34% of the vote. 

Commenting, Tom said: 

“This is a massive moment. We won’t yet be fighting an election under a proportional system in 2029, but this dials up the heat. Everyone knows that the majority of the country want proportional representation, to make sure every vote counts. 

“Labour must act. Our outdated system saw them handed a massive majority. The least they can do in thanks is introduce a proper proportional system. They owe it to the country to stop putting their and the Conservative’s interests first. 

“Given it’s Labour policy, it is absurd that it has taken the Liberal Democrats to get this debated in Parliament. I’m so proud to be a member of this party, and of Sarah Olney for bringing this forward. 

“The time has come for change. The ball is in Starmer’s court. The only question is whether he’s actually brave enough to act.”

ENDS