Letter: In search of electoral reform

Sir: Your articles today do not mention the main consequence of the Plant Commission's proposed Supplementary Vote system. Under it, each MP elected would have the votes of at least 50 per cent of his or her constituents. Consequently, a government (coalition or otherwise) with a majority of MPs could claim to have the support of the majority in the country.

Although the system is not proportional, its justice in this respect would be hard to dispute. Most recent oppositions have been able to criticise governments for pushing through unpopular measures without the support of the majority of voters. If, as you say, the SV system 'is unlikely to redraw the electoral map in any grand way', would immunity from such criticism make for better government, or worse?

Yours faithfully,

JULIAN GALL

Godalming,

Surrey

21 April