Model Resolutions

Large numbers of Constituency Labour Parties have already passed motions in favour of Proportional Representation.

Following the general election, we're asking all CLPs - even those which already have policy on PR - to convene another meeting on voting reform and discuss a motion on PR. This will:

• Confirm your CLP's ongoing support for voting reform
• Keep the issue live for members (particularly new members)
• Send a strong signal to MPs that this is still an issue of great importance to Labour members
• Enable your CLP to respond swiftly and decisively to policy consultations.

Drafting a resolution

If you are submitting a motion to national conference, you should definitely follow a model resolution because this makes things so much easier at the compositing stage. For other purposes, it's fine to use a model resolution but it's generally better to write your own - in particular, Labour's NEC and National Policy Forum are likely to attach more weight to a large number of resolutions if they are differently worded.  

If writing your own resolution, we would encourage you to: 

• Keep it brief - a short motion is generally better received, and 600 words is the limit for online submissions to the National Policy Forum.
• Refer to the resolution passed by Labour's 2022 Conference.
• Note that as well as being unfair, FPTP is also unstable, with the possibility of small changes in vote share giving rise to sweeping changes in the composition of parliament and the danger of a far-right government.
• Call for the immediate establishment of a National Commission to choose a new voting system.

When your resolution has been passed, please: 

• Email us with the name of your organisation, the text of the resolution you passed, and the date when it was passed.
• Send your motion to the National Policy Forum and the National Executive Committee, as well as your own and neighbouring Labour MPs. 

Short model resolution on establishing a National Commission on Electoral Reform

A National Commission is currently a priority for our campaign. This short motion focuses on this single aspect of the campaign. 

First Past the Post is broken. All it offers now is chaos and unfair results. Any party, even the far right, could win a majority of seats on a tiny share of the vote.
The Labour Party - its members, trade unions and MPs - know we urgently need a fair, modern voting system.
The time has come. Labour must now hold a National Commission to choose a new voting system without delay, and commit unequivocally to Proportional Representation.
This branch calls on the Labour Party, affiliated trade unions, and Labour MPs to campaign for these goals as a priority.

Longer model resolution, particularly suitable for CLPs and branches who have not previously passed a resolution on PR

[Name of CLP or Branch]:

• Notes the overwhelming support among Labour Party members and affiliated Trade Unions for replacing the UK's First Past the Post voting system with a system of proportional representation, as evidenced by repeated opinion polls and the vote in favour of PR at the 2022 Labour Party Conference.
• Notes the fact that a change in the voting system is also supported by a majority of the electorate.
• Supports the principle that in any election all votes should count, and seats should be allocated broadly in line with the votes cast.
• Welcomes the commitment in Labour's 2024 election manifesto to a suite of democratic reforms; but believes that many of these will only be fully effective if underpinned by a proportional voting system for Westminster. For example, extending the vote to 16- and 17-year-olds will only be fully effective if these new voters can expect their votes to make a difference.
• Calls upon the Labour government to implement the recommendations of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Elections, and in particular to set up a National Commission to investigate and consult on the best means of introducing a proportional voting system for the House of Commons.
• Encourages members of this CLP to join Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform as full subscribing members.

Trade Union Branches and Regions

If you are a trade unionist planning a debate on voting reform, please get in touch with our friends at Politics for the Many, the trade union campaign for democratic reform.

As well as advising on model resolutions, they are able to supply speakers to branch or regional meetings or other events.