Share of the seats, left, and, right, share of the vote

• I READ with interest the letters from your correspondents, Cath Attlee and Roger Winfield (A clear case for electoral reform and What kind of democracy is this?, May 19), regarding this month’s local government elections.

Regardless of one’s political allegiance it is difficult to disagree with Ms Attlee’s point that the first-past-the-post system simply does not produce an accurate representation of the choices of the electorate.

The Electoral Commission’s graphs (above) which accompanied her letter show that, in Camden, while Labour received the highest number of votes cast, it has a higher number of councillors than it would have gained under a system of proportional representation.

The opposite is true with the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens who have fewer councillors than their respective share of the vote would merit.

Mr Winfield also correctly draws attention to the lack of literature distributed by some of the candidates.

Sadly, it would seem political parties choose not to devote time and resources canvassing in wards where they feel they have a low chance of success. This displays a lack of confidence in the democratic process which is concerning.

A “one-party state” is unhealthy, particularly given the traditionally low turnouts at local elections.

I believe PR would not only lead to more accurate representation within councils but may also revitalise the campaigns of all parties and independent candidates who would have a greater chance of being elected.

KEELEY-JASMINE CAVENDISH
Thurlow Park Road, SE21