Overview

This Elections Bill proposes significant changes to the UK electoral system. It aims to introduce proportional representation (PR) for parliamentary and local authority elections in England, and to change the voting systems for electing various mayoral and police commissioner positions.

Description

The bill mandates the replacement of the current "first past the post" system with a proportional representation system for general elections and local council elections in England within six months of its passing. The Secretary of State will be responsible for establishing a suitable PR system that aims to allocate parliamentary seats proportionally to the votes received by each party. A Gallagher index of less than 10 will be a benchmark for suitability.

The bill also alters the electoral systems for various mayoral positions:

• Mayor of London: A supplementary vote system will be used if there are three or more candidates.
• Elected Mayors in England: A supplementary vote system will be used if there are three or more candidates.
• Combined Authority Mayors: A supplementary vote system will be used if there are three or more candidates.
• Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales: A supplementary vote system will be used if there are three or more candidates.

The supplementary vote system involves voters selecting a first and second preference. If no candidate secures an outright majority of first preferences, the second preferences of those who voted for eliminated candidates are redistributed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't explicitly state the financial implications, but implementing a new proportional representation system, including potential changes to electoral boundaries and voting infrastructure, is likely to involve significant costs. No figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Voters: Will experience a change in how they vote and potentially a shift in political representation.
• Political Parties: Will need to adapt their campaigning strategies to a PR system. Smaller parties may gain more representation, while larger parties may lose seats.
• Elected Officials: Mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners will face altered election procedures.
• Electoral Commission: Will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the new systems and managing any logistical changes.
• Taxpayers: Will potentially bear the costs of implementing the new electoral systems.

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