Labour MPs' voting reform push seen as bid to counter Reform threat

A group of 100 Labour MPs is backing a commission to investigate changing the UK's voting system from first-past-the-post to proportional representation, a move critics call self-serving. The proposal comes as Labour holds a large majority under the current system, but opinion polls suggest the party would lose seats under proportional representation. The MPs' supporters argue a coalition with smaller parties could keep them in power. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed support for proportional representation, despite the 2024 Labour manifesto explicitly ruling it out. Critics say any change would require a new general election mandate.