Gordon Brown’s “death bed conversion” - as others have described it – to the need for a revised voting system takes his cynical and shallow approach to self-preservation down to an entirely new level. Not that we should be surprised, of course.
The 1997 Labour manifesto promised a referendum on ditching the current first-past-the-post system – before this commitment was ditched in the wake of their landslide victory. And the idea re-emerged in subsequent manifestos before, again, not being delivered.
And now, with only weeks to go before Parliament is dissolved and a General Election is finally held, Mr Brown has arranged for MPs to have an urgent vote on the matter.
So why now? Well, as ever with our illustrious Prime Minister, it is because he senses an opportunity.
Despite the Conservatives continuing to hold a multiple point lead in all the weekend polls, the fact that the current electoral system is skewed against my party means a hung Parliament is obviously possible.
And, how might Gordon Brown be able to persuade the Liberal Democrats to prop up a minority Labour Government should no party win an overall majority?
You’ve guessed it - with a promise to have a referendum on their pet project of a new method of electing MPs.
It’s pathetic really, particularly given the huge list of problems he has created – such as the largest budget deficit in history – and should be seeking to put right.
But forget your problems and my problems – it’s the Labour Party’s problems which matter most to Gordon. As ever.
The 1997 Labour manifesto promised a referendum on ditching the current first-past-the-post system – before this commitment was ditched in the wake of their landslide victory. And the idea re-emerged in subsequent manifestos before, again, not being delivered.
And now, with only weeks to go before Parliament is dissolved and a General Election is finally held, Mr Brown has arranged for MPs to have an urgent vote on the matter.
So why now? Well, as ever with our illustrious Prime Minister, it is because he senses an opportunity.
Despite the Conservatives continuing to hold a multiple point lead in all the weekend polls, the fact that the current electoral system is skewed against my party means a hung Parliament is obviously possible.
And, how might Gordon Brown be able to persuade the Liberal Democrats to prop up a minority Labour Government should no party win an overall majority?
You’ve guessed it - with a promise to have a referendum on their pet project of a new method of electing MPs.
It’s pathetic really, particularly given the huge list of problems he has created – such as the largest budget deficit in history – and should be seeking to put right.
But forget your problems and my problems – it’s the Labour Party’s problems which matter most to Gordon. As ever.
2 comments:
Kris,
What is your position on proportional representation?
Richard
Richard
I continue to support our current first-past-the-post voting system.
In my view, it ensures clearer accountability and provides for more stable and effective government.
Crucially, it also gives voters the power to kick a bad Government out.
I hope they will choose to do just that when Gordon Brown finally summons the courage to call the General Election.
Best wishes
Kris
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