Burnham's PR pledge: Should Lib Dems be optimistic?
Andy Burnham (Photo: politics.co.uk) For Liberal Democrats, Andy Burnham’s announcement of a National Commission on Electoral Reform deserves a welcome that is both enthusiastic and demanding. Enthusiastic because a sitting Labour prime minister has publicly challenged the electoral system that delivered his party its parliamentary majority. Demanding because we know how easily promises of reform can become commissions, reports and eventual silence. Burnham’s warning about a divisive government entering Downing Street on less than 30% of the vote identifies a fundamental democratic danger. We know exactly what he is referring to and that risk is real. His proposed commission, invitation to other parties and commitment to fight the next election on changing the electoral system create a significant opportunity although, ironically, postponing implementation until after another election leaves the country exposed to precisely the risk he describes. We should therefore welcome the announc...
