What would it mean to have PR (Proportional Representation) for English and Welsh local elections?

Last May Scotland went to the polls and use for the first time STV-PR (A form of PR) for its local elections.   STV was favoured by Scotish Labour, Lib Dems and, I beleive, the SNP… it allowed the share of the seats in councils north of the bordre to reflect the share of the votes cast.  It also retained the link between Councillors and their wards and it meant that voters had the chance to select candidates rather than parties.

So a rawing success then? Despite problems with over complex ballot papers I would say yes it was.

So when will it come down south?  And how would English and Welsh local government be changed?

Labour has left the door open on PR for the Commons.  I’m not holding my breath on that one, but local government could see eletoral reform sooner rather than later.  In Stroud STV (Single Transferable Vote) would lead to ‘a balanced’ council at Ebley Mill.  Politicians would run in fear of losing their seats if they weren’t up to the job.  The different Parties would have to work together.  Modern ‘Partnership’ politics…

It would also, probably, mean less elections.  At the moment we have local elections every year in some areas of the Stroud District but STV could mean ‘all out’ elections only 1 in 4 years. 

Labour and Tories talk about boosting turnout and encouraging reengagement with the politcial process.  Won’t happen without electoral reform!…