Electoral reform could cure Tories' dilemma

From Mr Peter Annesley

Sir: The election for Conservative Party leader brings to the British people a fascinating period of political observation, even if "participation" is what we would prefer, in an election to decide our next Prime Minister.

It is worth reflecting that a Single Transferable Vote system would obviate this convoluted three-stage process, with its intrigue and behind-the- scene dealings. The two weeks between ballots could cause great damage to this country, as the first day of declared competition has already seen a significant fall in the value of the pound (which could not occur if we were members of a single Euro-currency).

It seems ridiculous to read ("Which way should I vote next week?", 27 June) the forthright Teddy Taylor professing uncertainty about how to vote, the Euro-sceptic Ivan Lawrence claiming an intention to vote for John Major against the candidate whose views accord closely with his own, and commentators such as Andrew Marr reporting how others may vote tactically (eg supporters of Heseltine spoiling their ballot papers, those of Portillo backing Major).

When normal British voters are engaged in an election, our first-past- the-post system forces many people to vote negatively (for the candidate to whom they least object) or tactically (for whoever is supposed to have best chance of beating their least-favoured candidate). Perhaps Conservative MPs, after feeling these same disenfranchising sentiments, could come to realise that there must be a better voting system - for their elections and for ours.

I therefore commend proportional representation to the Conservative Party. Moreover, I suggest that an appropriate scheme should be instituted with great haste - so as to be available in time for the next leadership election.

Yours faithfully,

Peter Annesley

Prestbury, Gloucestershire

27 June