proportional representation (PR)
Local councils are advocating for national electoral reform, seeking to implement proportional representation, an electoral system where seats won reflect votes received.
In July 2026, Newham Council unanimously backed a call for electoral reform, including support for proportional representation, at a full council meeting. Councillor Joe Hudson-Small, of the Green Group, proposed the motion, which also called for a national commission to investigate electoral reform. Similarly, Sutton Council supported a motion advocating for a National Commission on Electoral Reform and a move to proportional representation in July 2026.
The advocacy for proportional representation, an electoral system where the number of seats a party wins is proportional to the votes it receives, stems from concerns about the current First Past the Post system. Councillor Joe Hudson-Small highlighted the perceived unfairness of this system, stating that it leads to wasted and ignored votes, prompting calls for a national review of electoral systems.
Key facts
- Newham Council unanimously backed a call for electoral reform, including proportional representation, in July 2026. Source
- Councillor Joe Hudson-Small proposed the motion for electoral reform at Newham Council. Source
- The motion called for a national commission to investigate electoral reform. Source
- The motion highlighted the perceived unfairness of the First Past the Post system. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.