As local authorities in Islington and other metropolitan
boroughs ponder how to ensure effective democracy with no, or minimal,
political opposition - is it time to bring in proportional representation for
local government?
For example, in Islington we have 48 local councillors. On yesterday's results with PR this would translate into a small Labour majority: Lab 27, Green 9, Lib Dem 7, Tory 5.
What we actually got is what someone has described as 'the North Korea of London': Labour 47, Green 1, others zero.
Surely a change would be beneficial for everyone but particularly for local democracy, not to mention voter participation?
For example, in Islington we have 48 local councillors. On yesterday's results with PR this would translate into a small Labour majority: Lab 27, Green 9, Lib Dem 7, Tory 5.
What we actually got is what someone has described as 'the North Korea of London': Labour 47, Green 1, others zero.
Surely a change would be beneficial for everyone but particularly for local democracy, not to mention voter participation?
