Labour & Tories vote against Alternative Votes for Rochdale (Rochdale Liberal Democrats)

Rochdale Liberal Democrats <info@rochdalelibdems.org.uk>

Labour & Tories vote against Alternative Votes for Rochdale

October 14, 2010 12:00 AM

Councillor David Clayton Both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party failed to support a Notice of Motion brought by the Liberal Democrats which supported the Yes Vote at next year's Alternative Vote Referendum.

The Notice of Motion called on the Council not only to support a change to the Alternative Vote System at General Election level but also at a local level too.

The Liberal Democrats nationally have declared their support for the Alternative Vote however the Conservatives do not support a change in the electoral voting system.

Recently elected Labour Leader Ed Milliband declared his support for the Alternative Vote in his maiden speech at Conference recently and it was also party of the party's General Election Manifesto.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, who proposed the Motion, said: "Politics isn't working. At a recent Council by-election in Rossendale only 17% turned out to vote. The voting system we have now is not healthy for our democracy. We need to introduce a new, fairer voting system for a new Generation. A system that will improve the relationship between voters and their representatives, which is exactly what the Alternative Vote would achieve."

Councillor David Clayton, who seconded the motion, said: "Labour had 13 years to change the electoral system and introduce fairer votes but failed. The alternative vote would retain the MP and constituency link which is important. Also it would mean a candidate having to get at least 50% of the votes and the abolishment of safe seats. Every vote would really count."

Councillor Dale Mulgrew added: "We have the bizarre situation of Councillor Colin Lambert proclaiming just a few days ago that he supported the newly elected Ed Milliband for Labour Leader yet, in his maiden speech, Ed proclaimed his support for the Alternative Vote - Something Councillor Lambert was unable to do. It's really disappointing to see both Labour and the Conservatives being stuck in the politics of the past, not able to support a much fairer voting system."