ERS: Lib Dem leadership contenders speak on electoral reform

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Wednesday, 28, Nov 2007 12:00

Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne have taken time out from the campaign to decide the next leader of the Liberal Democrats, to state their case for democratic reform.

Dr Ken Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society said:

“We thank Chris and Nick for making their position on democratic reform so clear.

“Like us, the Liberal Democrats believe that fairness, accountability and a real choice for voters cannot be compromised. We are heartened that the party can choose between two candidates who are serious about the problems at the heart of our democracy.”

“We would ask other parties to work with the next leader of the Liberal Democrats, because they must know that a healthier, more vibrant, democracy is in all our interests.”

Notes to editors

Comments are available below:

Nick Clegg says -

“Our political system is broken. The Houses of Parliament is fast becoming a museum piece – a 19th century home for our 21st century political elite.

“For much of the week its benches are almost empty. The place only comes to life for that half hour of barracking and bullying known as Prime Minister’s Questions.

“But is this surprising when we are governed by a party voted for by just 22 percent of the people, but which has 55 percent of the MPs?

“The current system robs most of us of our right to a voice. If you want your vote to matter, there’s only one thing to do: move to a seat with a fragile majority. Election after election throws up collagen majorities – fat and fake.

“And the government knows that, no matter how hollow its mandate, the official opposition can be trusted never to speak out against an electoral system that has so often worked to its advantage in the past.

“A commitment to proportional representation at all levels of government in Britain has been a central plank of the Liberal Democrat policy agenda since the party’s foundation. It is absolutely pivotal to any serious attempt to change our country.

“And I am not willing just to wait for hypothetical coalition negotiations - in a hung parliament that may never happen - to fight for constitutional reform. I want to start that battle now. Ongoing reform of party funding should provide a springboard for the wholesale reform of our democratic system.

“My only warning is this. The fight for proportional representation must always be seen as in the interests of the country, not one single party. Liberalism in Britain is not possible, in my view, without a change in our political system. Equally, liberalism should not be reduced to electoral reform alone. Our ambition is for the wider transformation of British politics and society.”

Chris Huhne says

“British politics is rotten. You cannot build a responsive, healthy and energetic democracy on the sickly constitutional system Britain currently has. Labour and the Tories will continue to tinker around the edges of politics, rather than engage in a real debate, as long as the system encourages them to do so.

“As Liberal Democrat leader, I will defy that cosy consensus and appeal for votes all over our country. And I will continue to press the case for every person being equal before the ballot box as well as equal before the law. So long as we have a corrupt first-past-the-post system, we cannot have democracy that captures the imagination or inspires the confidence of the British people.

“I would make fair votes the starting point of any future coalition negotiations. This is something I promise out of both principle and pragmatism. On the one hand, I genuinely believe we can only build a better politics in Britain on the back of a better voting system. But from the perspective of my party, I also think it would be madness to engage in a coalition without a system designed for partnership politics. Under our current system, you cannot have honest cooperation in a minority parliament; you need a system with fixed terms that gives power proportional to your party’s national support.

“Finally, let me say a few words about the People’s Veto that I have made a plank of my campaign. I believe that we must trust the British people with a direct say in parliamentary proceedings. Therefore, I would like to see a public ‘call in’ facility to trigger a referendum on any parliamentary vote. British democracy needs reinvigorating – and along with voting reform, this is exactly what we need. The Liberal Democrats will continue to champion such democratic renewal under my leadership; it is in our DNA and it is more vital for Britain than ever.”

Contacts

Please contact the Press Office at the Electoral Reform Society on 020 7928 1622 or Ken Ritchie on 07754 165551