Story perspectives

Lib Dems Back Burnham if He Adopts Proportional Representation

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sir Ed Davey urged designate Andy Burnham—after winning Labour nomination—to adopt proportional representation before the next election, offering Liberal Democrat cooperation.
More than 80 Labour MPs signed an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill calling for an electoral-reform commission with an autumn debate.
Unions urged Burnham to back the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects while Conservatives said Labour dodged scrutiny by cancelling a pre-recess debate, criticism from Kemi Badenoch.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 Alternative Vote referendum, mandated by the 2010 Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition after a hung parliament and the 2009 expenses scandal, saw 68% of voters reject AV on 5 May with a 42% turnout, dealing a blow to Nick Clegg. Today Sir Ed Davey and Labour’s Andy Burnham renew the push for proportional representation.

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Story summary

Sir Ed Davey urged designate Andy Burnham—after winning Labour nomination—to adopt proportional representation before the next election, offering Liberal Democrat cooperation.
More than 80 Labour MPs signed an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill calling for an electoral-reform commission with an autumn debate.
Unions urged Burnham to back the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects while Conservatives said Labour dodged scrutiny by cancelling a pre-recess debate, criticism from Kemi Badenoch.

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