A new poll by Savanta has found that Labour voters support replacing the first past the post (FPTP) voting system with proportional representation (PR).
47% of Labour voters polled back PR, while 37% are in favour of keeping FPTP. The British public overall narrowly supports a change to the voting system, 40% to 38%.
Green voters are the most likely to support PR, with 64% backing it. 53% of Reform voters and 54% of Liberal Democrat voters support a change to the voting system.
Only 20% of Conservative voters supported proportional representation.
Savanta associate director Emma Levin said: “Increasingly, Conservative voters look isolated in their support of FPTP, with every other major UK-wide party backing electoral reform.
“That includes Labour voters, who Keir Starmer may find under increasing pressure to support electoral reform, even if it gives him a historic majority.
“Labour look on course for a historic majority this election with under 50% of the vote. That may be the spark that gets Conservative voters to reconsider their views on electoral reform post-election.”
Caroline Osborne, political officer for Labour for a New Democracy, said: “Voters know our current voting system leaves millions people without a real voice in parliament.
“Labour has already recognised that the flaws of First Past the Post are driving distrust and alienation in our political system. If the party is serious about restoring trust in politics it should take action on electoral reform, review the current voting system in government, and build consensus for a new system that makes every vote count.”
Read more of our 2024 general election coverage:
Labour wants a new generation of new towns. Can it win in Milton Keynes?
2024 manifesto versus 1997: ‘There are big similarities, but big differences’
‘How can I help Labour this election? The party insider’s guide to campaigning’
Revealed: The battlegrounds attracting most activists as 17,000 sign up
SHARE: If you have anything to share that we should be looking into or publishing about this story – or any other topic involving Labour or the election – contact us (strictly anonymously if you wish) at [email protected].
SUBSCRIBE: Sign up to LabourList’s morning email here for the best briefing on everything Labour, every weekday morning.
DONATE: If you value our work, please donate to become one of our supporters here and help sustain and expand our coverage.
PARTNER: If you or your organisation might be interested in partnering with us on sponsored events or content, email [email protected].
More from LabourList
West of England mayoral election: Helen Godwin selected as Labour candidate
John Prescott: Updates on latest tributes as PM and Blair praise ‘true Labour giant’
John Prescott obituary by his former adviser: ‘John’s story is Labour’s story’