Burnham faces Labour revolt over push to ditch first-past-the-post: Party grandee warns minorities with ‘outlandish views’ would call the shots under altered voting system

Andy Burnham’s proposal to replace first-past-the-post with proportional representation has prompted divisions within Labour, despite the party planning to put electoral reform in its next general election manifesto. Burnham says a new national commission will examine how to make votes count and voices heard.

Former home secretary Lord Blunkett warns that proportional representation could give small parties undue influence, citing Israeli coalition politics as a caution. Labour figures are split: Louise Haigh and Angela Rayner have reportedly raised concerns, while Ed Miliband and other MPs have supported reform; Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash says he opposes any system that weakens the link between MPs and constituents.