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Why independent candidates win with the Single Transferable Vote

Currently, there are 14 independent MPs in the House of Commons, which might seem to suggest Independent candidates can win under First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). But these MPs are only independent because they were suspended from their...

Posted 01 Nov 2023

When voters have an electoral system that works for them, Independent councillors get elected

ERS Scotland makes the case for local democracy innovation at Scottish Greens’ Conference

When citizens come together to make plans about the place they know best, Scotland’s towns, cities and villages can flourish. But what democratic systems would allow this to happen? And is Dunfermline the right place...

Posted 01 Nov 2023

How proportional representation worked in the Polish election

With a population of around 40 million, Poland is the European Union’s fifth largest member and by far the largest of its eastern states. It is therefore worth taking notice of any national election in...

Posted 26 Oct 2023

The next ‘Portillo Moment’? Who could be at risk

The two large Conservative majorities overturned in last week’s by-elections have led to media speculation that even frontbenchers of the Government in ‘safe seats’ are at risk of their very own ‘Portillo moment’. The phrase...

Posted 25 Oct 2023

Latest by-elections reveal flaws of First Past the Post

The two UK parliamentary by-elections, held on 19 October 2023, saw some dramatic outcomes. In Mid Bedfordshire, Labour overturned the biggest majority (24,664) in any by-election since at least 1945. In Tamworth, Labour achieved its...

Posted 20 Oct 2023

SNP Conference: ERS Scotland’s packed fringe event rings out for strengthening local democracy

A vibrant and powerful local democracy creates the basis for building strong communities. From the pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis people have shown they are willing to devote time and care to those in need....

Posted 19 Oct 2023

Democracy is major theme at Labour conference

Following last year’s successful motion on proportional representation, electoral reform and improving our democracy remained some of the biggest topics of discussion at Labour conference this year. The Electoral Reform Society team organised and spoke...

Posted 13 Oct 2023