A Fresh Start for Democracy

Michael Calderbank (London, ERS): As Gordon Brown finally takes up the top job in British politics, he would do well to reflect on the low public esteem in which his profession is currently held. Our breed of politics is turning people away in droves. The present system that hands vast power to parties, out of all proportion to the support they enjoy in the nation, takes power away from the voting public. Turnout and party membership are at a record low: proof, if proof be needed, of the rot at the heart of our politics. We in the Electoral Reform Society believe that it is time for a fresh start. Of course, no single 'quick fix' can set everything right. But at the same time we recognize that the way we vote provides the foundation for our politics. This is why we are launching our campaign for 'A Fresh Start for Democracy'. We are calling on our political leaders to empower voters up and down the country to elect a parliament which is genuinely representative. A parliament without safe seats. Without 'lifer' MPs with no reason to ever campaign in their own constituencies. A country where when parties take their message to the nation, no part of that nation is excluded. We want choice. And choice means an end to wasted votes, where people's preferences have some chance of shaping the make up their parliament. Something is rotten with the state of politics. If you agree that we need a fresh start, join us at http://www.a-fresh-start.org.uk