Keir Starmer's Labour party has been accused of changing the voting system to prevent Reform UK from winning the Greater Manchester mayoralty. The controversy arises as current mayor Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield by-election, and if he wins, a new mayor would need to be elected.
First Past the Post Scrapped
The First Past the Post system will not be used in the next mayoral election. Instead, the Supplementary Vote system will be introduced, allowing voters to choose first and second preferences. Conservative peer and election expert Robert Hayward criticized the move, stating that the Labour Party has created an 'almighty mess' in the North-west.
Hayward claimed the change was made to prevent Reform UK from winning the mayoralty, saying, 'There is no other justification for the haste with which this order has been introduced.' He added that it does not serve British democracy well.
Reactions from Conservatives and Reform UK
Conservative peer Lord Jackson described the move as 'a cynical stitch-up to avoid embarrassment.' A Reform UK spokesman accused Labour of being 'terrified of facing the voters' and changing rules to stay in power. They cited Labour's record on taxes, borders, and crime as reasons for their fear.
Government Denies Political Motive
Labour minister Baroness Taylor denied the change was for political advantage, stating it restores a system originally introduced by the Conservatives and changed in 2022. However, critics remain unconvinced, arguing the timing is suspicious.
