PM's electioneering

This explains the Prime Minister's abrupt decision to hold a Commons vote on electoral reform, an issue first contemplated by New Labour when in opposition.

A debate is required. Even though the existing first-past-the-post system is straightforward, with the winner being the candidate who polls the most votes, it meant Tony Blair comfortably won the 2005 election with 35 per cent of the vote. Is this right?

Conversely, the alternative vote system advocated by Mr Brown may

confuse some voters, even though the winning candidate ultimately accrues half of all ballots cast. It can, however, benefit fringe parties and is the method by which Peter Davies, of the English Democrats, became Doncaster's elected mayor.

Of course, the issue of low turnout needs to be addressed but this is not the fault of the voting system. It is the expenses scandal and the recession that is fuelling apathy.

One other issue must be addressed. To push these proposals through the Commons next week, in order to wrongfoot his Conservative opponents,

Mr Brown will require the support of all those Labour MPs standing down at the forthcoming election.

Again, this is not right. It should be left to the next Parliament to determine this issue – and those MPs who will, ultimately, have to

fight future elections under any new rules of engagement.