Majority of Labour MPs back review of voting system, poll reveals

More than half of Labour MPs support establishing a National Commission on Electoral Reform to review Britain’s electoral system, according to a poll of parliamentarians.

The poll, conducted by YouGov, found that some 55 percent of Labour MPs back the proposal, as outlined by Alex Sobel’s amendment to the Representation of the People Bill. Only 29 percent were opposed.

Almost 100 Labour MPs have signed the amendment, including influential backbenchers like Luke Akehurst and Chris Curtis, alongside government ministers, including Miatta Fahnbulleh and Florence Eshalomi.

Alex Sobel said: “My amendment to establish a National Commission on Electoral Reform already has been signed by 185 MPs – more than any other amendment this parliament. Now we know a majority of MPs back this proposal, including a majority of Labour MPs.

“The government has an opportunity to do something historic when Parliament returns – and set the UK on a road towards fair, modern general elections.”

It comes after a poll for LabourList earlier this month revealed that two-thirds of party members want the government to launch a review of the country’s electoral system, with just 16 percent opposed.

Become a friend of LabourList and join our community. Our friends support our vital non-factional work and get access to exclusive content and events. 

Labour’s annual conference voted to endorse proportional representation in 2022, with Andy Burnham describing the vote at the time as a “historic vote by the Labour Party and labour movement”.

Make Votes Matter CEO Emma Harrison said: “MPs are finally starting to catch up with the public, most of whom support fair elections for Westminster. I’ve spoken alongside Andy in favour of proportional representation; I know he supports it – now he must show the public he deserves our trust and launch a National Commission on Electoral Reform.”

MPs are set to debate the proposal next Wednesday (September 2).

Subscribe here to our daily newsletter roundup of Labour news, analysis and comment– and follow us on TikTok, Bluesky, WhatsApp, X and Facebook. You can also write to our editor to share your thoughts on our stories and share your own. The best letters are published every Sunday.

• • SHARE: If you have anything to share that we should be looking into or publishing about this story – or any other topic involving Labour– 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.
  • BECOME A FRIEND: If you enjoyed this, why not consider becoming a Friend of LabourList? Help sustain our journalism, and of course Friends do get benefits…
  • PARTNER: If you or your organisation might be interested in partnering with us on sponsored events or projects, email [email protected].
  • ADVERTISE: If your organisation would like to advertise or run sponsored pieces on LabourList‘s daily newsletter or website, contact our exclusive ad partners Total Politics at [email protected].