Lichfield & Tamworth Liberal Democrats

Reform of the way we do politics has never been high on the political agenda - until now! But it is something that has always been close to my heart and to the heart of all Liberals and Liberal Democrats. Labour and Tories consistently shy away from reform. They like things the way they are. When it comes to important issues like Fair Votes the Tories object. And Labour promises action at election time, only to sweep the issue under the carpet afterwards. Now the chickens have come home to roost. Our rotten political system has been exposed for what it is. Cash for Honours, abuse of expenses, and MPs for hire to lobbyists - no wonderour politics has never been held in  such low esteem. We cannot go back to the old ways. We cannot allow our government to be chosen by around 35 000 swing voters in 75 marginal seats whose votes are bought through massive funding. Millions of voters are disenfranchised in so-called safe seats. Yet in the last two General Elections there was not one single constituency where the elected MP gained 50% of the votes of registered voters. In last years’ County Council elections in Tamworth a party with 41.6% of votes cast won all 6 seats, leaving thousands without a voice at County Hall. Liberal Democrats oppose a system where parties can gain power with around 20% of the popular vote. A system which  leaves voters disempowered and disconnected from the political process. Labour’s empty promise of a referendum on the alternative vote system is not good enough. Labour reneged on its previous promise to hold a referendum on a proportional system - which alternative vote is not. Liberal Democrats support a  truly proportional system which will mean an endto massive majorities in safe seats. It’s no coincidence that the biggest abuses of the expenses system occurred in seats with the large majorities.