Member

The Bill is about fairness. I am frustrated that even though Report was delayed until after the summer, we have not been able to move forward on new clause 31 and that it has been ruled out of scope. I think it has been misrepresented. I put it on record that the purpose of the new clause is not, as the shadow Secretary of State perhaps suggested, forcing proportional representation or change, but bringing forward a commission to look at electoral reform. We have so many different forms of electoral process in the UK. In Scotland and in Wales, people elect their MP differently to their other representatives. In London, the electoral system for mayoral elections is different from other elections, which is confusing, puts people off and makes it harder for them to buy into our electoral system. The Bill opens up the electoral system to new people, through votes for 16 and 17-year-olds and automatic voter registration. I feel concerned. The Prime Minister recognises that there will need to be a manifesto commitment to make the final change, but a commission now will help to shape that thinking.