The Labour Party leadership is facing a serious conflict with its members over electoral reform. An overwhelming majority of party members are in favour of changing the British voting system from first past the post to proportional representation, but Keir Starmer is refusing to adopt the policy.
Proportional representation (PR) also has support from Labour figures across the spectrum, from Stephen Kinnock to John McDonnell, Andy Burnham to Anas Sarwar. Advocates make the point that, under first past the post, the Conservatives only need a five percentage-point lead to win a Commons majority thanks to where their voters are based, whereas Labour needs at least 12 points. If the two parties received an equal share of the vote at the next general election, the Tories would win 23 more seats than Labour.
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