Although to many the question of electoral reform may seem slightly esoteric, this pre-election period is likely to throw up a host of unintended policy possibilities indirectly affecting local government, even if they were not originally part of the equation. Take, for instance, today's speech by the Prime Minister about the possible introduction of an ‘Alternative Vote’ proportional system of elections for the House of Commons. If this particular thread is pulled for Westminster, then surely there would be a question mark remaining over the first-past-the-post system for local authority elections?
From Gordon Brown’s perspective, not only is there a genuinely important strategic objective in broadening the debate about parliamentary reform beyond expenses and into citizen engagement and improved democratic legitimacy, there is a pragmatic political tactic here in setting a news agenda about something positive and novel. While many of us would personally choose higher priority reforms, such as greater devolution to local government and the frontline of public services, this discussion about a ‘majority mandate’ for parliamentarians does strike a chord among those who feel disconnected from their MPs and national politics.
Gordon Brown’s speech to the Institute for Public Policy Research included a restatement of the importance of decentralisation from the centre, reiterating as he did the Government’s approach to localism and local public service reform. But in the end he went no futher in terms of the governance reforms and ramifications that might renew local democratic practice.
It is surely essential that the local dimension is not neglected in the grand debates about constitutional reform – and if there is merit for a shift to a ‘preference based’ electoral system rather than first-past-the-post at Westminster elections, then it is equally legitimate to explore the impact it might have on local democracy too.
There are advantages and disadvantages to moving towards an ‘Alternative Vote’ model at local elections. Many commentators have argued that more proportional representation is needed to avoid some authorities becoming ‘all party states’. The AV model has the advantage of ensuring those elected have a majority mandate and retain a constituency and ward connection. However, there are others who feel that this is an issue of marginal importance and that there are bigger reform questions to be addressed for local government in constitutional terms, for instance, reforming executive leadership and the Mayoral model; improving scrutiny powers; and extending the democratic mandate across a wider array of local services.
The key issue should be simplicity and clarity for the electorate. If the electoral system is to change for Westminster, then there should be a simultaneous look at a parallel shift for local elections, otherwise there could be considerable confusion among voters especially if asked to ballot on the same day for local and national elections. The experience in Scotland of a considerably high volume of spoilt ballot papers where European, MSP and local systems differ greatly suggests that a consistent approach across our constitution would make most sense.
Chris Leslie is director of the New Local Government Network
