How to choose
Many voting systems could replace first-past-the-post, some based on a form of proportional representation (PR). Public First’s analysis found that support for moving to PR varied depending on which party was proposing it.
When Labour voters were shown a Labour proposal to move to PR, 54% supported the idea, whereas when they were shown an identical proposal branded as coming from Reform UK, only 36% supported it. The same broad pattern was true of Reform voters.
Overall, 41% of U.K. adults responding to the poll said they would “somewhat” support or “strongly support” a Labour proposal to move toward PR. Another 26% would neither support nor oppose it, and 22% somewhat opposed or strongly opposed the idea.
“While they lean toward supporting reform, many voters judge it by who is proposing it,” said Wride. “With trust in politicians so low, if electoral reform looks like just one party’s project, it risks being seen as political game-playing.”
Burnham’s pledge on electoral reform could boost his chances of staying in power, but much could change ahead of the next election, which could take place as late as 2029. Polls currently predict a hung parliament with Labour falling short of a majority, but the Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for electoral reform and would be Labour’s most likely coalition partners.
Farage has also spoken in favor of replacing first-past-the-post with an alternative voting system, but has recently said less on the topic. This week, the party’s deputy leader Richard Tice said it was “no time” to be discussing electoral reform.