Caroline Russell AM responds to reintroduction of supplementary vote system in mayoral elections

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, presented in Parliament today includes the provision for the use of the supplementary vote system in elections of mayors and police and crime commissioners.

Responding to this announcement, Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell said:

"Bringing back the supplementary voting system for the London Mayoral election is a vital step in restoring democratic legitimacy. London is a city of nearly 9 million people, and the Mayor controls a £20 billion budget and has significant executive powers – for this reason it's essential whoever is elected has a clear, majority backed mandate. Supplementary voting system allows Londoners to express real choice and encourages candidates to appeal to a broader base. We've used it before, we know it works and its removal last summer weakened democracy in our city."