Democracy Minister Canvassed in Christmas-themed Campaign in Own Constituency

ExCo

A cross-party organisation, MVM argues that the First Past The Post (FPTP) system currently used for Westminster elections distorts public opinion, leaves millions feeling unrepresented, and increases the risk of political volatility as voters seek more options beyond the two major parties. They further argue that single-party government, a benefit of FPTP according to its defenders, is no longer guaranteed – as seen in 2010 and 2017 – or popular.

The British Social Attitudes survey found that 60% of Britons favour electoral reform and 53% favour coalition governments. With democratic reform legislation such as Sarah Olney’s Elections Bill and the Government’s own English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill progressing through Parliament and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Fair Elections now the largest ever such group, campaigners believe that now is the time for change.

Ms Dixon is the Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth, a junior position within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) whose portfolio encompasses elections and democracy. The MHCLG is the Government department responsible for the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, legislation which proposes to reinstitute Supplementary Voting (SV) for metro mayoral elections among other reforms.

MVM Chief Executive Emma Harrison has said that “Samantha Dixon has shown real commitment to improving our democratic processes. From championing votes at 16 to engaging with campaigners on automated voter registration, she clearly recognises that much more needs to be done to rebuild trust in our democracy.”

Ms Harrison went on to express her disappointment “that – like her predecessor [Rushanara Ali] – the Minister continues to ignore the elephant in the room. People have stopped voting because, in many areas, their vote simply does not count. Our outdated voting system, First Past the Post, distorts election results and hands disproportionate power to a single party.” She concluded that “Samantha Dixon – and the Labour Government – could leave a lasting, positive legacy by introducing Proportional Representation and the forthcoming Elections Bill is the opportunity to do it.”

MVM held a street stall near Chester Cathedral to encourage Chester North and Neston constituents to send Christmas cards to Ms Dixon. MVM states that it has collected more than a hundred cards containing expressions of support for PR and pleas for Ms Dixon to more proactively support electoral reform, and that they will be delivered to her soon.

The street stall was also held to share literature and information with residents of and visitors to the city and to promote a petition calling on Ms Dixon to support PR, which at present has garnered about 28,000 signatures. The petition – supported by Action Network – is available of MVM’s own website.

Supporters also sang versions of Christmas songs including “White Christmas”, “Winter Wonderland”, “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” and “Ding Dong Merrily on High” featuring modified pro-PR lyrics.

As part of their year-round campaigning, MVM supporters promoted an adjacent Change.org petition calling for one or all national broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 or Sky – to host a televised debate on Westminster’s voting system.