Preferential Voting Coming To UK?

If so, it would be a Westminster system earthquake that would embolden those like myself who have repeatedly advocated this system, at least as a way station for reform. Seems Brown is going to do exactly what Martin (still believed majority possible) and coalition should have. I saw it in the Times: Hain signalled that Brown was ready to announce reforms to the voting system. It is understood there will be a bill in the Queen’s speech this autumn that will set up a referendum on ending the first past the post system in Westminster elections. “There is an emerging consensus in the Labour party that we should change the electoral system,” he said. The ballot, which would happen after a general election, will propose the “alternative vote” system where voters rate candidates in order of preference. “It would help repair the gaping chasm of credibility which exists between citizens and politicians,” said Hain. If a voting reform bill does become law, it would be a “poison pill” for an incoming Conservative government. David Cameron, the Tory leader, would be forced to decide whether to use political capital and parliamentary time to repeal the legislation.