The AV referendum is swiftly approaching and I get the distinct impression that the whole business leaves many people bemused.
But there’s no need to be. In case you missed it, I explained in my Daily Telegraph column this week why adopting AV nationally is utterly bonkers.
In the article I argued that the bizarre feature of this referendum is that neither party who won the 2010 election, and who now form the government, proposed it but rather it was a last gasp from the bunker of the man who lost.
Alas, the whole thing threatens to be a bit of a damp squib. Which is a shame, because the more closely people focus on what is being put to the people on May 5, the more clearly they should see that this is a gigantic fraud.
Find out more on our No to AV site.
( 9 comments ) Tags: AV, referendum
Comment by Neal on March 2, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Bang on the mark as usual, Boris!
I did some sums using the 2010 election data last night. The Lib Dems would have picked up a MINIMUM of 40 extra seats under AV. And that means permanent coalition. I don’t need to pount out that coalition is a process in which the leader of the smallest of the main political parties get to choose which of the larger two parties should form a government.
Forgive me, but that’s not what I call a particularly democratic system!
Comment by Jock on March 2, 2011 at 5:01 pm
How about the Scottish system which gave Conservatives seats which they would not have got under first past the post. There are both constituency MSPs and additional MSPs allocated on the strength of the national share of the vote. That sounds better to me.
Comment by Chris on March 2, 2011 at 10:39 pm
I’m surprised there hasn’t been more talk about the fact that AV would increase political instability (i.e., your “permanent coalition” argument, Neal), which would create instability in the wider economy. Perhaps I’ve missed this
The resulting uncertain business environment could repel foreign investment… need I finish the sentence? I shall anyway: …bad for the economy.
Forgive me if I sound like an economics textbook – I’m in the final year of my economics degree!
Comment by Ed Austin on March 3, 2011 at 12:25 am
The whole thing’s a waste of time and money. AV is a fraud. I will be voting against any change.
Comment by Reginald Fah-Fah on March 6, 2011 at 12:29 am
I have a jolly old read of Boris Johnson’s ‘Daily Telegraph column’ during the week online. I totally and utterly agree with Boris that ‘adopting AV nationally is utterly bonkers.’ That photograph of Gordon Brown reminded me of political times I would rather forget.
My friends, family, business associates and people of Hendon have assured me that they are going to back us Tories, and vote NO! at the AV referendum. I campaigned for my marvellous member Matthew Offord( MP) during the 2010 General Election, and understand that my campaign got ‘Non-Voters’ to vote for the Conservatives. A true Tory success story!
Comment by Carl on March 6, 2011 at 2:01 pm
When I first heard about how the AV system worked it seemed to me like some form of strange game show, not something that is as important as deciding a government.
With the expense of the proposed system, it seems like madness and of no advantage.
Comment by John Wade on March 7, 2011 at 9:35 am
I will vote against AV but will this mean that the changes needed to the electorial boundaries would not go ahead.
We have far too many MPs overall and Labour has a distinct advantage in having a lot of small districts, a change they made in their favour over the 12 dark years they were in power.
I would also be in favour of making voting compulsary, with the ballot paper having a selection of ‘None of the above’ for those who do not want to vote for any listed candidate. Fine those who refuse to comply.
I would also like to see an elected second chamber, this would stop the rediculous system where leaders over the years have seeded the House of Lords with their own supporters and allies. These unelected people, in the House of Lords, have an effect on our laws and how our country is run.
Best Regards
John
Comment by Nicky T on March 7, 2011 at 1:31 pm
People have to vote against this. Bonkers is probably the best word for it. The ‘coalition’ up here in Calderdale is a clear example of why we need one government in power. The policy that the Lib Dems have up here is completely bonkers and I am desperate to remove Stephen Gow from his seat. With an AV vote their frighteningly naive politics would be implemented across all of West Yorkshire and bonkers would be an understatement. We need clear leadership not a muddle.
Comment by Hecky Thebstard on March 14, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Most people can’t be bothered to absorb the details of something as tedious yet vitally important as this proposed electoral change. Sell the sizzle not the steak. AV is the worst of all worlds. Well done Boris adding some colour to the debate