The Reformer

Tories don’t use First Past the Post to elect their leader. It’s one rule for us and one for them

How do Conservative Party leadership elections work?

(Updated for October 2024) Historically there weren’t elections for the leader of the Conservative party, but, following the machinations surrounding...

online voting error

Why can’t we vote online?

The following is a guest blog from Jason Kitcat, who is on the Advisory Council for digital campaigners, the Open Rights Group....

Polling Station

Proportional Representation can build a stronger constituency link

It is often said that the constituency link is a vital part of British political life; MPs represent local areas...

Polling Station

With Proportional Representation small parties get the influence they deserve

For those used to one party getting a majority of the seats (without a majority of votes) the idea that...

Military defeat, revolutions and regular coup attempts played a major role

Did Proportional Representation put the Nazis in power?

Probably the first time many of us heard of Proportional Representation (PR) was in a school classroom studying the Second World...

Fixed Term Parliament Act

So who gets to be Prime Minister?

In 2011 the Fixed Term Parliaments Act was passed. Setting aside its merits or demerits, the politics behind its introduction...

Eurovision

Electoral Reform for Eurovision?

Eurovision is upon us once again with everyone’s favourite celebration of Europe’s questionable musical talent. Certain traditions will no doubt...

Does First Past the Post actually mean voters can ‘Kick the bastards out’?

We hear time and again of the way First Past the Post lets voters ‘kick the bastards out’ – a colourful reference to...