“Next steps” on electoral reform
The Government has reiterated Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to electoral reform and said ministers will meet MPs to discuss next steps towards changing the voting system.
Speaking during the Report Stage of the Representation of the People Bill on Wednesday, Democracy Minister Florence Eshalomi said:
“The Prime Minister remains committed to electoral reform as a way of supporting [a politics that works for all people in all places].”
She added that she would be “very happy to meet with many members from across the House” to hear their views, develop proposals and discuss next steps.
💥 “The Prime Minister remains committed to electoral reform” 💡 The Democracy Minister confirms that Government is seeking views and proposals to inform the next steps 🎯 As is clear from the debate in Parliament, that means a National Commission on Electoral Reform
— Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ (@labour4pr.bsky.social) 2 September 2026 at 19:34
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The commitment followed a well-attended debate in which at least 15 MPs, including 11 Labour MPs, made the case for a National Commission on Electoral Reform.
Alex Sobel MP, Chair of the APPG for Fair Elections, said:
“We must now strengthen our democracy for a new generation, by facing up to the triple threat of disinformation, dark money and a failing electoral system.”
Sobel had tabled an amendment calling for an independent National Commission on Electoral Reform. Although it was ruled out of scope, the proposal had secured the backing of almost 200 MPs, including more than 100 Labour MPs.
Other Labour MPs speaking in support of reform included Mike Reader, Joe Morris, Stella Creasy, Darren Paffey, Luke Akehurst, Joe Powell, Lizzie Collinge, Euan Stainbank, Anna Dixon and Sean Woodcock.
🌹"Its those people who are losing faith with politics who feel disenfranchised the most. We owe it to them to have a national conversation about how we can reform our voting system" @joemorrismp.bsky.social
— Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ (@labour4pr.bsky.social) 12 September 2026 at 20:52
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Lizzie Collinge MP told the House:
“This Bill doesn’t address what I think is the most pressing question when it comes to our democracy – the glaring problems with our voting system.”
The debate comes amid growing support for a National Commission across Parliament, the Labour movement and the public, with polling also showing a majority of MPs support a review of the voting system.
Burnham backed L4ND’s call for a National Commission at Labour Conference last year, saying that “PR’s time has definitely come”.
🌹”Others have commented on how unfair, unrepresentative and unsustainable our electoral system is… I hope the Minister will give assurances about the steps the Government might take to protect our democracy and ensure every vote counts.” @annadixonmp.bsky.social
— Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ (@labour4pr.bsky.social) 11 September 2026 at 19:20
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