Malcolm Wicks has publicly backed proportional representation be used to elect MPs, despite the impact it would have on his party.

The Labour MP for Croydon North said he has become “convinced by the inherent unfairness” of the current first past the post system of election.

He favours an alernative voting method, whereby voters rank preference of candidates and the one with more than half the votes wins.

If no candidate gets more than half the votes, the one who has fewest first preference votes has his or her votes reallocated, according to voters' second preferences. This continues until one candidate has more than half.

Mr Wicks said: “I would back reform to bring in proportional representation, but it is vital that we maintain the constituency link.

“Voters should have a local MP who they can turn to for support and advice.“ But his party won the last general election with just 36 per cent of the vote, meaning any system of PR would likely reduce their majority in the House of Commons.

Mr Wicks is asking his consituents their views on his website malcolmwicks.org.uk/polls.

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