Sheffield MPs back calls for electoral reform amid 'distorted' voting system concerns
Two Sheffield MPs have made their voices heard in the debate on Proportional Representation.
It comes as supporters of the cross-party Proportional Representation advocacy group Make Votes Matter campaigned outside BBC and ITV facilities in Salford Quay’s MediaCityUK as part of their nationwide Wake Up Westminster campaign.
The House of Commons recently had its third reading of the Representation of the People Bill proposing multiple reforms including votes at 16, tighter rules for political donations, automatic voter registration and updated electronic campaigning regulation.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Fair Elections had proposed an amendment calling for the Housing Secretary to conduct a feasibility study into a National Commission on Electoral Reform to determine the best national voting system.
It garnered the support of 176 MPs including Abtisam Mohamed for Sheffield Central, as a sponsor and Olivia Blake for Sheffield Hallam.
MVM argues that the First Past The Post system currently used for parliamentary and English council elections distorts public opinion, leaves millions unrepresented, and risks greater political volatility as voters abandon two-party politics.
The campaign highlights the results of the 2024 general election – with Labour winning 63% of seats with 34% of votes – and from the 2026 local elections in England – with Reform winning 67% of seats in Barnsley with 42% of votes – as major examples.
