Election experts sound alarm on First Past the Post

Over fifty leading academics have written to the Government to warn that the current voting system risks producing distorted results on an “unprecedented” scale at the next general election.

In an open letter constitutional, legal and political experts says that “the collision of a multi-party electorate with a voting system designed for just two parties is creating new risks for Britain”. It pushes ministers to engage with these threats if they are to protect our democracy, guard against instability, and stem public distrust.

🚨 Over 50 leading academics have sounded the alarm on the UK's voting system⚠️ In an era of multi-party politics, First Past the Post risks “random and arbitrary” results like never before🗳️ The experts' letter warn Ministers they must address this to stem growing instability and distrust

— APPG for Fair Elections (@appgfairelections.bsky.social) 2026-02-14T07:46:09.564Z

I never really sign stuff. But this was different. It's not about trying to facilitate or block a particular party's route to power. It's about an electoral system that's unsuited to the political realities we face today and risks giving us government after government with no convincing mandate.

— Tim Bale (@timbale.bsky.social) 2026-02-14T07:25:25.449Z

Signed by figures including Professors Tim Bale, Laura McAllister, Pippa Norris, Rob Ford and Vernon Bogdanor – as well as former Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, Bob Posner, warns the Government that the First Past the Post voting system is now a threat to the stability and integrity of British democracy.

The letter was covered by Politics Home. The full text can be read below:

SHARE

Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp