Andy Burnham has announced a national commission on electoral reform, warning that Britain's voting system could allow a divisive government to enter Downing Street with less than 30% of the vote.
Speaking at Labour's conference in Liverpool on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said the party would contest the next general election with a manifesto commitment to change the electoral system so that "everyone's vote counts and everyone's voice is heard".
"We will all have failed in our public duties if we carry on as we are and open the door of Number 10 to a divisive government on less than 30% of the vote," he told delegates.
Burnham invited all political parties to take part in the commission. He also acknowledged that Labour members had twice voted in support of electoral reform, telling them: "I hear you, I agree with you."
The announcement commits Labour to proposing a change at the next election, but Burnham did not specify a replacement voting system or a timetable for legislation. Those questions will be central to the commission's work.
His warning reflects concern about how a fragmented vote could translate into power under first past the post. Burnham did not name Reform UK or any other party in that passage, so it would be inaccurate to present the remark as a direct attack on Nigel Farage.
