Devon MP calls time on ‘first past the post’

A Devon MP has urged ministers to back a fairer voting system and end the scourge of the ‘safe seat’, amid the fractious bid for the Labour leadership and role of Prime Minister.

In what is widely regarded as a rapidly fragmenting political landscape and increasing distrust in political and news sources, Richard Foord MP has called for electoral reform to put an end to the unfair and outdated ‘first past the post’ system.

Proportional representation distributes the number of seats to correspond with the proportion of votes cast – a system that has long been advocated by the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Foord told MPs yesterday evening (Tuesday): “The general election of 2024 was the most disproportionate in modern British history. Turnout was the second lowest since records began in 1885. Less than 60% of the electorate cast a vote.

“We want a system where people can vote positively for change, with hope. It is little wonder that the only other European country besides the UK that elects its Parliament in this way is Belarus.

“If first past the post continues, we could see just 30% of votes bringing in a Government with extremist ideas. I want to see a proportionate, not a disproportionate, number of MPs for Reform UK and the Green party.

“First past the post is unfair and unrepresentative, and it undermines the legitimacy of our elections. I urge the Government not to prolong the disenchantment, the apathy and the hopelessness.”

Mr Foord said that the Labour government was elected with one third of the votes. He pointed out that had secured them two-thirds of the seats in the House of Commons, and “three-thirds of the levers of power”.

“People are fed up with being told to vote for the lesser evil. The Representation of the People Bill is this Government’s opportunity to get it right.”