Government Expedites Voting System Change for Manchester Mayoral Race
Ministers are accelerating the introduction of a new voting system to ensure it is operational in the event of a mayoral election in Greater Manchester this year.
The proposed change involves replacing the current First Past the Post (FPTP) system, which is used in general elections, with the Supplementary Vote system.
Details of the Supplementary Vote System
Under the Supplementary Vote system, voters select both a first and second choice candidate.
If no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes based on first preferences, the top two candidates advance to a run-off second round. In this round, second preference votes from eliminated candidates are considered to determine the winner.
This system was previously used for elections of police and crime commissioners and mayors until 2022, when it was replaced by FPTP. The FPTP system involves a single round where the candidate with the most votes wins.
Historical Context and Recent Legislative Changes
The Conservative government at the time justified the switch to FPTP by describing it as a "fair and simple" system that ensured "clearer accountability."
Following the 2024 general election victory, the Labour government enacted legislation to reinstate the Supplementary Vote system for mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections.
Initially, the change was expected to take effect after May 2026, aligning with the next scheduled elections in May 2027.
Potential Early Trigger for Mayoral Election
However, if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield parliamentary constituency, he would be required to resign as Greater Manchester Mayor, which would immediately trigger a mayoral election.
In response, the government issued a written statement indicating it is "taking action to seek parliamentary approval to deliver that change in all scenarios."
Government Statements and Timelines
Local Government Minister Samantha Dixon stated:
"The government is conscious that there is now a possible scenario in which a mayoral election may need to be held in Greater Manchester in the coming months, subject to the outcome of the parliamentary by-election in the Makerfield constituency."
She added that the government aims for the change to be implemented by 19 June, the day following the Makerfield by-election.
Dixon further explained the suitability of the Supplementary Vote system:
"The Supplementary Vote system is suitable for the election of single executive office holders, such as mayors,"
"It ensures a broader level of support for the person elected."
She also noted that the government will collaborate with the Electoral Commission and local authorities to facilitate the implementation of this change.
Electoral Commission's Role and Preparation
An Electoral Commission spokeswoman commented:
"Returning Officers will need time to prepare to implement this change to the voting system."
She added that the commission will provide guidance to officers and ensure voters receive "clear information" about the Supplementary Vote system.
Current Voting Systems and Political Perspectives
First Past the Post remains the system used for UK general elections and elections to English councils.
Several political parties, including Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and Plaid Cymru, have expressed support for adopting a more proportional voting system.
Meanwhile, elections to the Welsh and Scottish Parliaments utilize proportional voting systems.
Labour Party's Position on Electoral Reform
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supported electoral reform during his 2020 Labour leadership campaign but has since abandoned this pledge and did not include it in the party's 2024 general election manifesto.
Earlier in June 2024, over 60 Labour MPs called for a reconsideration of the FPTP system, describing it as "broken."
