“Tonight’s vote marks the beginning of the end of First-Past-the-Post. A clear majority of parliamentarians have shown they are willing to break with the past and build a better politics.

“We wanted MPs to back the amendment on the Single Transferable Vote. The Alternative Vote will not go nearly as far to deliver a representative parliament, an accountable government and responsive MPs. But we finally have movement towards a better voting system. 

“The evening’s Hansard report will serve as a permanent record of the dividing lines between the old and new politics. Tories and Labour rebels will have the opportunity to explain their decision to voters at the coming election.”