Result of the referendum on electing MPs
6 May 2011 (updated on 6 May 2011)
A UK-wide referendum was held on 5 May 2011 on changing the voting system to elect MPs to the House of Commons
Referendum result
Earlier in 2011, Parliament passed the Parliamentary Voting Systems and Constituencies Act. The Act provided for a referendum to be held on Thursday 5 May 2011 on changing the voting system that is used to elect MPs to the House of Commons.
The following question was on the referendum ballot paper:
"At present, the UK uses the "first past the post" system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the "alternative vote" system be used instead?"
The result of the referendum was Yes 32%, No 68%.
The Electoral Commission has a website where you can find a detailed analysis of the result of the referendum.
What happens next?
The result of the referendum means the legislation relating to the alternative vote provisions in the Parliamentary Voting Systems and Constituencies Act 2011 will be repealed. Part 1 section 8, subsection 2 of the Act states that:
"If more votes are not cast in the referendum in favour of the answer “Yes” than in favour of the answer “No”, the Minister must make an order repealing the alternative vote provisions"
The order (Statutory Instrument) will repeal provisions contained in section 9, Schedule 10 and Part 1 of Schedule 12 of the Parliamentary Voting Systems and Constituencies Act 2011.
The first past the post system for electing MPs will therefore continue to be used to elect the House of Commons.
Futher information:
Parliamentary Voting Systems and Constituencies Act 2011