Elections Bill biggest reform to our democracy in half a century, says IPPR

Responding to the Representation of the People Bill, Dr Parth Patel, associate director at IPPR, said:  

“Power and influence are distributed unequally in British society. Too many people feel locked out of the political process, which often favours the powerful and the wealthy.

“At the last election, only one in two people voted. We are trapped in a doom loop of low turnout and unresponsive government.  

“This Bill is a significant step forward to break out of that. It represents the biggest reform to our electoral system in half a century, reducing the grip of the powerful and giving greater voice to those who go unheard.

“Those who claim this is gerrymandering are simply wrong. These proposals are about political equality, where each of us, regardless of background or circumstance, have an equal chance to shape the decisions that affect our lives.

“But this should be the beginning, not the end. Parliament should build on this Bill with a more demanding set of reforms to clean up the political system. Now is the time to put an end to corruption in British democracy."

IPPR has heavily influenced the government’s Elections Bills. Its recommendations that feature in the Bill include:

• Reducing the voting age to 16
• Improving voter registration, including assisted and automated registration
• Political donation reforms, including strengthened rules on company donations, Know Your Donor checks and tighter requirements for unincorporated associations  
• More politics and citizenship education in schools  

ENDS

Dr Parth Patel is available for interview  

CONTACT

Liam Evans, head of news and media, 07419 365 334 l.evans@ippr.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

• IPPR’s Modernising Elections report can be found here: https://www.ippr.org/articles/modernising-elections  
• IPPR is the UK’s most influential think tank, with alumni in Downing Street, the cabinet and parliament. We are the ideas factory behind many of the current government’s flagship policies, including changes to fiscal rules, the creation of a National Wealth Fund, GB Energy, devolution, and reforms to the NHS. IPPR is an independent charity which has seconded staff to government departments including DHSC and DESNZ to support ministers on crucial policies such as the 10-year health plan and the industrial strategy: www.ippr.org