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Gordon Brown today put his authority on the line in a vote on reforming Britain's electoral system.
Government whips were today seeking to defuse a potential revolt against the plans to ditch the first-past-the-post system.
Up to 40 Labour MPs were believed to be opposed to introducing the alternative vote (AV) method for general elections.
A rebellion on such a scale would be a blow to the Prime Minister as the parties gear up for a 6 May poll.
But sources suggested that a number of potential rebels had been persuaded not to defy Mr Brown.
The Prime Minister has hailed the change as part of a “new politics” which could restore public trust in Westminster in the wake of the expenses scandal.
But the Tories will oppose the move which leader David Cameron dismissed as a “fiddle”, accusing the PM of “a cynical attempt to save his own skin”.
Reader views (11)
Traditional 1st past the post has worked for generations and now we have the mad bad nutters in the Labour Party trying to change the rules to suit themselves. This horrible PR system is similar to the one in use in Northern Ireland, one which we have for one simple reason - to appease the terrorists and minority problem makers from both sides of the political and sectarian divide.
- Eoin Mcgreeghan, Derry, NI
If my first choice is my only choice, why should I have to place in order of "preference" people for whom I do not wish to vote at all? Furthermore, whilst those who want proportional representation of some sort wax lyrical about supposed fairness, I see nothing particularly fair in any minority party holding undue influence simply because it holds the balance of power. I can see why the Lib Dems want PR, but it is for purely political advantage not principle. Not that this promise of a referendum means much coming from the serial reneger Mr Brown.
- James Elliott, Eastbourne, UK
Ah Val. As usual you're straight in with an ill-informed email to support our dictator. The boudary changes proposed are to take into consideration the changes in population over the last 20yrs. There are more seats in the North and more people in the South. Not very democratic, but suited Labour so untouched for 12yrs. Personally I think McBroon is looking to join the Lib Dems as they'd be the big winners from this reform.
- Mark, London
The only trust Westminster will earn is when G Brown and his bunch of bandits and spin doctors are kicked out forever. Until then he is kidding himself that things will get better with any idea he comes up with.
Labour is dead, over finished and all the sppin ion the world wont take away the facts they have killed the economy, left generations in debt and for all their wriggling wont be able to wipe the Iraqi and Afghanistan blood of our brave soldiers of their sticking expense riddled hands.
- Robert Marshall, LONDON
Now look everyone, Brown has said that there is going to be a referendum, so you must know that it will happen, this man always delivers what he says...............
Like he would actually allow the people to decide anything, that would smack of democracy, and we can't have that now can we?
- Ronnie, what used to be England
I'm waiting to be convinced that someone who did not get the popular vote should still "win" a seat in government. Two bites of the cherry at getting a majority, using a minority vote? That's something parties on the wane consider, not those ascending.
- Rogan, Irving
I loath First past the post system. It is if you know what it is and how it works worse than any proportionaal system. The transferable vote is the best of these.
- Tony, Hove England
We live in a democracy. I don't remember anyone complaining when the Conservatives changed the boundaries to their own advantage and have indicated they intend to do the same again, if they are elected. Similarly, David Cameron talks about reducing the number of MPs, but the seats affected will be those held by Labour with large majorities. Jerrymandering?
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain
"Brown takes firm stand on voting reform"
The reform being only to have Labour on the ballot papers. Maybe he could take some lessons from Mugabe or that other despot in Iran on how to "manage" the election in his favour.
"101 Ways For A Dictator To Rig An Election"
- G.Brown
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Someone pointed out that under this system the Tories would have to get 2 votes for every one received by Zanulab. This is nothing but gerrymandering
- Bex, Ramsgate, UK
Parliament once again defeated by party political interference. Brown bangs on about wanting to clean up parliament etc; but how can you trust a word he says when he acts in this dictatorial way. Brown`s last minute conversion to AV has only come about to appease the liberals, if there is a hung parliament. Little wonder people are so cynical nowadays. Brown and all the other major parties will be made to pay at the ballot box when significant numbers of voters will this time support minority parties as a protest vote or will not vote at all. Who can hardly blame!
- Brian G, Norfolk Gorleston
