Tories reject Burnham's electoral reform commission

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Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake said today that his party favoured “decisive government” and was particularly worried by the prospect of Jeremy Corbyn getting a foot in the door.

He said: “We’re now potentially moving into an era of sectarian politics, where you have small parties that represent particular interests, be it Gaza, be it Jeremy Corbyn’s Your Party.”

The national commission will explore ideas for electoral reform, with all political parties invited to contribute to its work.

Any reforms are expected to change the existing first-past-the-post system and pave the way for proportional representation.

Shadow cabinet office minister Alex Burghart said the Prime Minister’s proposals would require approval in a referendum and could not take effect for eight years.

“Sounds like he’s rather prejudged the outcome of the commission,” Mr Burghart said.

“Burnham wants to remove voters’ power to sack their MP.

“It’s a bad idea that Labour would need to win a referendum on and couldn’t implement before 2034.”

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