Ballot Paper move should be just the beginning

2.24.00pm GMT Wed 22nd Nov 2006

Commenting on the Scotland Office's announcement that it would introduce a single colour-coded ballot paper for next year's Scottish elections, Liberal Democrat Shadow Scottish Secretary, Jo Swinson MP said:

"Any measures which increase the clarity of the ballot paper are to be welcomed, but it is perverse that the Scotland Office is trumpeting this as a groundbreaking innovation.

"Where the Arbuthnott Commission could have recommended a wholesale change in the voting system, it chose instead to make recommendations which would, at best, simply tinker around the edges of the current system.

"If the Scotland Office wishes to genuinely enhance the experience of Scottish voters, it should support a change to a fairer and more representative voting system."

Related Link:

Scotland Office press release on single ballot paper