‘An Ethical Case for Electoral Reform’ is a newly published Grove Booklet by The Rt Revd Colin Buchanan, an Honorary Assistant Bishop in our diocese.
Colin Buchanan argues that a choice of electoral systems is not simply a matter of taste, but one of justice to the electorate (without referencing the credentials of any particular party).
He says, “It is written out of my own experience of the Single Transferable Vote in the Church of England’s synodical elections – a good experience which contrasts dramatically with the painful experience recently undergone in the self-evidently unjust outcome of the ‘First-Past-the Post voting in the General Election.
“I believe a growing sharp-edged dialogue about electoral reform is needed throughout the country. In a nation where widespread concern has followed the poor turn-out at elections, more than empty rhetoric is needed to re-engage the population in casting their votes. Justice in voting, whereby the nation gets the government it actually wants, would go a long way to that engaging of voters."
‘An Ethical Case for Electoral Reform’ (£3.95) can be purchased direct from Colin Buchanan – 0113 2677721 or cobdleeds@btinterent.com
Colin Buchanan was Principal of St John’s College, Nottingham (1979-85), then Bishop of Aston and Bishop of Woolwich. He was the founder of Grove Books and has written extensively on liturgical and ecclesiological topics. He is an enthusiastic electoral reformer and was honorary vice-president of the Electoral Reform Society for 19 years, and its honorary president from 2005-2012.
.