By Emma Harrison, CEO of Make Votes Matter.

As a cross-party, non-partisan organisation, we attend events across the country, and across the political spectrum, to champion Proportional Representation. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Liberal Democrats’ Spring Conference in York, at a fringe event on electoral reform. One thing was clear from the conversations there: momentum for fair elections is growing.

Inside Parliament, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Fair Elections – which we now jointly run with Unlock Democracy – brings together MPs from across the political spectrum. Whatever their differences, they share a simple belief: our electoral system is no longer fit for a modern, multi-party democracy.

The APPG’s Vice-Chair Lisa Smart MP gave a clear overview of the thinking around the Representation of the People Bill and how it can’t do what it says on the tin without looking at Proportional Representation. There was acknowledgement that the Government is unlikely to change its mind, so we need to use every lever available to us. Pro-PR MPs have tabled amendments, most of which are being dismissed as out of scope, but we are not giving up. We have the Committee stage and the Third Reading – which will happen after the all-important elections of 7 May –  to keep banging the drum. We will then start talking to Peers. We know it would be too awkward for them to recommend changing the voting system for the House of Commons, but we think they will champion the National Commission on Electoral Reform. There are still plenty of opportunities to influence the Bill and put PR on the agenda – and we need your help to keep up the pressure. 

Along with Lena from Compass, another organisation we work closely with, I argued that activists must continue engaging with MPs – and the media – about the need for change. Across the country, campaigners like you are keeping this issue alive by running street stalls, organising meetings, speaking to voters, signing petitions, writing to MPs and showing politicians that the public wants a system where every vote truly counts. Keith from Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform spoke passionately about the expanding coalition for change. Civil society organisations, business leaders, academics and grassroots activists are all sending the same message: the current system is broken, and it’s time for something better.

I was pleased to see a lot of interest in electoral reform at the conference, and a real sense of urgency. At one point, when asked what one law he’d get passed if he got into power, Ed Davey responded “PR”. 

Let’s keep going. Because the goal isn’t just to change a voting system, it’s to renew trust in our democracy and ensure every vote counts.
If you want to read an activists’ perspective on the fringe, check out this piece in Lib Dem Voice!