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November 02, 2007
Clegg missing the point on electoral reform
A profile in the Sunday Times on Nick Clegg quoted Mr Clegg on why he wants to de-emphasise talk of electoral reform.
He urged the party to pipe down about electoral reform, because it gives the impression that "we are more concerned about getting our bums on seats than engaging with issues the public cares about."
Mr. Clegg is looking at this from the wrong direction. If an election had been called for this year, only 8,000 key swing votes would have impacted the outcome. With so little votes truly making a difference, many don't even see a point in voting. A citizen not voting doesn't necessarily have reason to follow our country's politicians and key political debates. So if Clegg's goal is to engage the public in issues they care about, then he first must encourage them to use the loudest political voice they have as citizens of a democracy: the vote.
Posted by joshloewenstein on November 02, 2007
Comments
I am also concerned by Mr.Clegg's lack of emphasis with regard to electoral reform.
I think the matter should be dealt with now in a manner that is both unequivocal and pragmatic. Common sense tells us that the LibDems will not be either the first of second largest party in terms of seats won at the next general election but it is more than likely that whovever wins the leadership contest will wield the third largest bloc.
If (and I realise it is an if) a balanced outcome is the scenario come the early hours of Friday 8th May 2009 (my best guess for the date of the next GE) the stance of the individual leading the LibDems will have a seminal impact on not only the disposition of that particular house but very possibly all suceeding parliaments.
No doubt a power sharing deal involving cabinet seats will be offered. Any hint of a bribe (for that is what it is) involving abandonment of an unequivocal timetable leading to the electorate being offered a referendum on 'real' (i.e. one that includes and option for an intrisically proportional system such as STV) electoral reform must be steadfastly resisted. Indeed Mr. Clegg would do well to state right here and now that he would not only reject any such bribe but actively organise to vote down any and all legislation (no matter how uncontentious) until a programme was agreed.
This principled stand would not only place the matter beyond debate because everyone (political parties, voters, media) would know the situation going into an election but I also believe this approach would be beneficial to the LibDems because it would give the impression of placing the wider concerns of the electorate ahead of narrow party interests.
Posted by: Peter Davidson at November 5, 2007 12:58 PM
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