Jamie Stone calls for electoral reform at Sort the System event

Jamie Stone has claimed the present Westminster voting system leaves voters disenfranchised as they end up with "two sides kicking and shouting at one another".

The MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross reiterated his support for proportional representation when he joined Liberal Democrat colleagues at a Sort the System event in Westminster's Parliament Square.

It was organised by a coalition of electoral reform groups to advocate for changing the first-past-the-post voting.

The Lib Dems point out that the UK is one of the last countries in Europe to retain a non-proportional system.

In the 2019 general election, the Conservatives received 43.6 per cent of the votes but gained 56 per cent of the seats. Groups pushing for electoral reform, including Make Votes Matter, consider this an "injustice" and want a more proportional system.

Mr Stone took the opportunity to talk to voters about reforming the electoral system "to ensure fair and equal representation".

He said: "In our Scottish elections, voters have much more choice and say in who they want to represent them. It ensures a more representative parliament and prevents the risk of 'wasted' votes.

"The current voting system in Westminster leaves voters feeling disenfranchised. It is time for real change, and that change begins with electoral reform.

"Our political culture does not reflect a true democracy. We need an ecosystem where all people have a meaningful say and the chance to participate, rather than simply having two sides kicking and shouting at one another.

"Changing our voting system, in line with the rest of Europe and indeed with Scotland, would undoubtedly be a step in the right direction."

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