In recent weeks, Monmouth Labour Party has been discussing Proportional Representation for Parliamentary Elections.

Many members were concerned about the apparent ‘democratic deficit’. Despite there being an anti-Conservative majority in overall voting numbers in 14 of the last 15 General Elections, the Conservatives have been in power for the vast majority of that time.

The current ‘First past the post system’ encourages tactical voting. Many votes in seats with large majorities are in effect ‘wasted’.

Elections are being won and lost in a relatively small number of seats

Many members felt that every vote should matter and if that were the case, some of the current divisions in society and disillusionment with the political ‘system’ could be addressed.

Other members felt that the current system avoided coalitions and undue power being given to small parties and had served to keep extremist parties out of power.

There was also concern about the loss of an MP’s link to a ‘constituency (though this can be easily avoided) and the creation of very large multi member constituencies.

The debate continues.

Peter Short (Monmouth Labour Party)