Angela Rayner reverses Tory changes to mayoral voting system
- The government published the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, restoring the supplementary vote system for mayoral elections.
- Angela Rayner is reversing changes previously instituted by Priti Patel, which favored the first-past-the-post voting system.
- This shift may enhance the Labour Party's electoral prospects while solidifying Rayner's influential role in government.
In the United Kingdom, the government has introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which reinstates the supplementary vote system for mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections. This change follows alterations made three years ago by Priti Patel during her tenure as home secretary under a Conservative government. The supplementary vote system allows voters to select a first choice and a second choice candidate, contrasting with the traditional first-past-the-post system favored by the Conservatives. Angela Rayner, serving as deputy prime minister, is overseeing this reversal, which may have been influenced by the belief that it provides a more democratic voting process. Electoral reform advocates welcome this shift, seeing it as a move towards a fairer electoral system. The Conservatives historically have favored the first-past-the-post system because it tends to benefit them electorally. However, past research indicated that voters might have experienced disadvantages under this system when second preference votes were counted. As the Labour Party implements these changes, it faces speculation about their potential electoral benefits, especially in light of growing discussions around lowering the voting age to include 16-year-olds. Rayner's influence in the current government is notable, surpassing that of other key figures such as chancellor Rachel Reeves and health secretary Wes Streeting. With her recent actions, she has managed to broker deals within the party, which has garnered support from Labour's left flank as well as pushed for progressive stances on issues like disability benefits. Speculation suggests that her political capital has significantly increased, positioning her as a potential successor to Keir Starmer if he were to step down. Furthermore, concerns have emerged regarding the financial implications of Rayner's efforts in the recent spending reviews, particularly the potential for increased council taxes, which may stir public dissent. Her strategic maneuvers and the outcomes of these electoral reforms will ultimately shape both her future within the government and the Labour Party's electoral strategies going forward.