I suspect the British liking for a single MP to represent both their community and individual interests is too greatly valued to accept either the Labour suggestion or the Liberal system as presented here. Equally we know there are many VERY good politicians in each party who are too good to loose but may not easily appeal to voters – look at the attempts of some of the best Labour politicians in this election. They tend to get put into ‘safe’ seats but remain at risk even in multi-member constituencies, perhaps greater risk.
Nevertheless there is case for PR but with say 550 first past the post constituencies, and 100 MPs chosen by parties and listed in order of the party’s preference to achieve PR on a National basis. BUT which nation? The Conservatives have a substantial overall majority in England, and if given this opportunity the Liberals fail to use it wisely England could more often than not have a Conservative majority even with PR. A Lib-Lab pact now would I suggest be unacceptable to the English people unless only English MPs can approve the equivalent of the Scottish Government’s powers in England.
