PR motion backed by conference delegates

The Labour conference backed a motion calling on the party to embrace a proportional electoral system, sparking celebrations from campaigners even though Keir Starmer seems certain to ignore the move. The motion, which says a Labour government should ditch the current first-pastthe-post system in favour of a form of proportional representation (PR), passed easily via a show of hands in the conference hall in Liverpool, prompting loud cheers.

The motion based on one submitted by about 140 local parties, says the form of PR used should retain constituency links. It ends: “Labour must make a commitment to introduce proportional representation for general elections in the next manifesto.” However, it is not binding on the leadership, and while Starmer has previously expressed some interest in voting reform, his leadership team has made it plain they will not do as the motion says.