Overview

This bill proposes to replace the current "first past the post" electoral system in the UK with a proportional representation (PR) system for both general elections and local elections in England. The aim is to ensure that the number of seats held by each political party in Parliament and local councils more accurately reflects the proportion of votes received by that party.

Description

The bill mandates the abolishment of the first-past-the-post system within six months of its enactment for both general and English local elections. The Secretary of State is tasked with implementing a new PR system for parliamentary elections. This new system must meet a specific proportionality threshold, calculated using the Gallagher index, averaging under 10 over the past five general elections. A similar PR system must be established for local elections in England. The Secretary of State has the power to make regulations to facilitate these changes, including amending existing legislation. The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (for general elections) and to England and Wales (for local elections).

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify any direct government spending figures. However, implementing a new electoral system will likely involve significant costs related to redesigning ballots, voter education campaigns, and potential adjustments to electoral administration processes. The exact cost will depend on the chosen PR system and its implementation.

Groups Affected

This bill will impact numerous groups including:

• Political Parties: The bill could significantly alter the balance of power and representation in Parliament and local councils, potentially benefiting smaller parties.
• Voters: Voters will experience a change in how they cast their votes and potentially see a different distribution of seats after the election.
• Electoral Commission: The Electoral Commission will be involved in overseeing the transition to the new electoral system, updating electoral guidelines and processes.
• Government Departments: Several government departments will be involved in enacting the changes required by the bill, and will face an increased administrative burden.

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