Electoral reform set to dominate Conference

Activists have predicted that electoral reform will dominate as a policy issue in Liverpool, after more motions relating to proportional representation (PR) were submitted than any other kind ahead of Labour Conference. Campaigners in favour of a move away from the current first past the post system for general elections point out that pro-PR motions have been the most popular topic among local parties for two years running. Almost 80 per cent of local party delegates voted in favour of PR at the 2021 Conference in Brighton, but virtually all delegates representing affiliates voted against, which led to the motion being rejected. As affiliated trade unions including Unison have changed their stances on electoral reform since last September, PR campaigners believe their motion will be passed by Conference this time around.

A spokesperson for the Labour for a New Democracy campaign group told The House: “There is clearly huge membership demand for Labour to back PR for Westminster elections – it’s unprecedented for so many policy motions to be sent two years in a row, and 60 per cent of all CLPs [Constituency Labour Parties] now have policy backing PR.” The Liberal Democrats are thought likely to demand the introduction of PR without a referendum as the price of any deal to form a coalition government with Labour. Conference is also likely to host debates on proposals including raising the minimum wage to £15 an hour and nationalising energy, mail and water – none of which are currently backed by the Labour leadership.