First Past the Post and the Threat of Reform

British politics seems to be in a period of volatility. After its worst post-war defeat in 2019, Labour secured its second biggest majority ever in 2024. The First Past the Post electoral system made this Labour majority government possible. Yet, some argue that a proportional system, which would likely deny any party from forming a majority government, is more desirable. This panel will discuss what electoral reform would mean for government in Britain. Do the public really want constant coalition governments? What would be lost by ending the single MP-constituency link? Is the answer to political volatility really a change in the electoral system, or should it be a call for the major parties to be more responsive?

This event will also launch the new policy briefing, 'First Past the Post and the Threat of Reform'.

Speakers:

The Rt. Hon. Lord (David) Blunkett was MP for Sheffield Brightside from 1987-2015. Previously, he served as Leader of Sheffield City Council for 8 years and as a councillor for 18 years. Lord Blunkett has served as Home Secretary, Education Secretary, and Work and Pensions Secretary. He is a visiting professor at Sheffield University.

Margaret Mullane MP was elected MP for Dagenham and Rainham in 2024. She is a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee. Previously, she was a councillor on Barking and Dagenham Borough Council for 14 years. She studied politics at Birkbeck, University of London.

Peter Lamb MP was elected MP for Crawley in 2024. Previously, he was a councillor in Crawley for 14 years. He is a member of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. He studied history and politics at Southampton University.

Co-Chairs:

Dr Richard Johnson, Senior Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, Queen Mary, University of London

Dr Gautam Kambhampati, Lawyer and co-founder of Labour for the Constitution

Gabriel Osborne, Lawyer and co-founder of Labour for the Constitution