Alan Johnson’s call today for a return to the Jenkins Commission advice for an Alternative Vote Plus system of Proportional Representation feels a bit hollow after the revelations and fiascos of recent Parliamentary days.
Alongside Cameron’s call to open up the Parliamentary Prospects list, even to non-Tories and those interested in public service over politics, this gives a sense of some political posturing and playmaking in the hopeful event of a leadership change or substantial shift.
A true citizen renaissance, in the UK at least, demands a complete overhaul of the parliamentary system – including two proportionately and (in the case of the upper house) fully elected chambers; fixed term parliaments and premierships; and transparency throughout. If some good is to emerge from the gloom of the past fortnight, then active citizens and the commentators of the fourth estate must continue to press for urgent reform – taking Johnson and Cameron (and whoever else climbs aboard the bandwagon) at face value for the greater good.
