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politics20h ago
Want to stop Farage with your vote? At the moment you can’t – and Starmer must fix that | Polly Toynbee
- Toynbee urges Labour to push electoral reform to curb far-right gains and fix a system she says distorts democracy.
- The piece argues first-past-the-post concentrates power in a few voters, worsening inequality and underrepresenting others.
- Experts warn that the current system risks undermining legitimacy if voters can’t know where to place their X, per Institute for Government.
- By-elections like Gorton and Denton reveal the system’s fragility and the appeal of reform across parties.
- Toynbee links wage and immigration policy debates to voter sentiments and political loyalty in a shrinking two-party landscape.
- The article recommends a national commission on electoral reform as a path forward, supported by polling.
- Toynbee notes Labour’s mixed record on policies, arguing that communication about achievements could improve perceptions.
- The author emphasizes the urgency to address electoral reform before the next election to prevent hard-right wins.
- The piece frames reform as essential to restoring democratic legitimacy and responding to public concerns about the system.
- Overall, the article positions electoral reform as central to repairing Labour’s relationship with its base and the wider public.
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