York Conference - LIVE! - report back
Our first live Conference (York from March 17-19) for more than three years was hugely busy. We put a lot of effort in - and got a lot of positive interest and involvement back!
There were around 70 new sign ups for our newsletters from visitors to our busy exhibition stall. It was also great to have LDER President Wendy Chamberlain MP and her senior researcher Kathryn Sturgeon pay us a visit.
LDER exec member Kathrine Santos spoke at the 'Fairer Society' debate - making the crucial point that you need fair politics to underpin a fair deal for people. Click here to hear the speech.
We had two packed (standing room only) fringe meetings.
Co-hosting with the Electoral Reform Society, we looked at the dismal state of English local government democracy, how it's working so much better with PR/single transferable vote (STV) in Scotland; and what can be done to get Welsh Councils (where there is a permissive power to change the system to STV).
Click on the links to hear what our speakers had to say.
And with Make Votes Matter and Unlock Democracy, we explored how to rebuild trust in UK politics, including guest speakers from the Labour Party and the Greens.
For speakers' takes on the issue, click on these links:
Our badges and stickers went far and wide - Wendy was wearing hers when introducing the Fairer Society motion!
AND - voting reform featured powerfully in Ed's leadership speech (in line with other speeches he made in late 2022).
Our Conference goal was: build the profile and timeliness of mission-critical voting reform. Your views (whether you were there or not!) on how we did and what else we can do at Autumn Conference are welcome and needed. Write to info@lder.org
Your views on our pre-manifesto consultation
Lord Dick Newby - who is responsible for our next General Election manifesto - has launched a consultation so all party members can have their say on priorities and content.
LDER's view: fair, equal votes is not the number one "on the doorstep" issue for us - but it is crucial to delivering a fair society and mending our broken politics. It must be prominent in our manifesto programme. So please go to and respond to Lord Newby's request here.
ALDC - a campaigners tool kit on fair, equal votes
We're excited to share messaging on voting reform for local parties to include in their campaign materials. Whether you're Labour or Tory facing; going for print or online: there's core content for you to adopt or adapt to your situation.
Massive thanks to ALDC for leading and distributing this for us. We'll aim to refine as we go forward - so send any feedback to info@lder.org.
And - Sort the System on May 24th
A reminder of this national action day, spearheaded by Make Votes Matter with the support of all reform organisations and party reformers - including of course LDER.
Write to your MP asking to meet them in London on May 24th to tell them why we need voting reform - then arrange to be there on the day, to demonstrate your support for reform!
Click here to register and join in.