CAMPBELL'S TOP PRIORITY TO POLITICAL REFORM

I am absolutely delighted that Ming Campbell has been elected, with such a commanding majority and with such a good turnout. Throughout his leadership campaign he has given special emphasis to the need for radical political reform. There is a real crisis in our democracy.

During the course of the recent campaign, Ming has emphasised our renewed determination to reinvigorate and reconnect the citizens of our country with their democratic institutions.  

Last Monday’s publication of the POWER Commission report – sponsored by the Rowntree Trusts in their centenary year with characteristic wisdom – entirely vindicates the urgency of this issue.  Our political system has become so dysfunctional that it is stifling public support, and in danger of making all levels of government illegitimate.

The Commission specifically recommend the end of the First-Past-The-Post voting system, since it is so unfair to the elector, distorts representation and discourages engagement in our  democracy.   It also endorses the draft Bill for the reform of the Lords prepared by a cross-party group led by Robin Cook, Ken Clarke and coordinated by myself, as the MP for North Cornwall.