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Westminster Hall debateWestminster HallWednesday, 24 June 202614:30

Use of first-past-the-post in general and local elections

Backbench debate (separate chamber, no votes)

Sarah Olney (Lib Dem, Richmond Park) is sponsoring a Westminster Hall debate on the use of first-past-the-post (FPTP) in UK general and local elections. The debate will examine whether FPTP remains the best electoral system for these polls, or whether alternatives such as proportional representation would better reflect voter choice and improve representation. This is a longstanding Liberal Democrat priority, as their vote share under FPTP has historically translated into far fewer seats than their national support warrants.

Electoral systems shape which parties hold power and how Parliament represents the country. FPTP favours larger parties and can leave millions of votes without parliamentary representation, while alternatives like proportional representation would change the balance of power and potentially require coalition governments. Voters and candidates across all parties care deeply about whether the system is fair.

Local GovernmentMP & Parliament

MPs most likely to speak

David SimmondsConservative and Unionist Party

Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

Sarah OlneyLiberal Democrats

Richmond Park

Mr Jonathan BrashLabour Party

Hartlepool

Matthew PennycookLabour Party

Greenwich and Woolwich

Mr Mark FrancoisConservative and Unionist Party

Rayleigh and Wickford

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