Kent's Democratic Disgrace
June 9, 2009 12:00 AM
Figures from the Kent County Elections show that the Conservatives polled just under 50% of the vote across the County on June 4th but scooped 88% of the seats on Kent County Council - 74 out of 84.
The Liberal Democrats won 22% of the vote across the County but were rewarded with seven seats - just 8% of the total seats available. The Labour Party polled 13% of the vote across Kent - one of their worst showings ever. In doing so, they won just 2 seats - 3% of the total.
Liberal Democrat Leader Trudy Dean said:
"The current voting system doesn't work, isn't fair and creates an unbalanced Council. More than half of voters backed someone other than the Conservatives, but they were rewarded with a paltry 12% of the seats. We need all parties to get together and agree a fair voting system which will mean every vote counts, before the next General Election."
Newly elected Liberal Democrat County Councillor Tim Prater said:
"A more proportional voting system would change politics in Kent and make politicians more accountable, ensure all votes count and modernise our democracy. In many seats in Kent. The Conservatives simply take winning for granted: that's not good for local people."
The Liberal Democrats believe there should be a voting system which gives seats in proportion to the number of votes won. In a proportional system. On the votes cast in the 4th June elections, the balance of Kent County Council would be:
- Conservative 42
- Liberal Democrat 19
- Labour 11
- UKIP 4
- Others 8