Make every vote count

Proportional representation offers a solution to the crisis of legitimacy in British democracy and can restore trust in the political system

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A bit like Aladdin, Tony Blair has got his wish. Last week he fretted that the Labour party never had the policy debate it needed before preparing to remove its leader. Now that debate is happening, and it could change British politics forever - and for the better.

Parts of this debate are about self-interest. Andy Burnham has a difficult byelection to win and is not above dog-whistling to the left to define himself in opposition to Reform. Blair has a legacy to protect and some of that feels, to use his own word, retro. But even if they're not aware of it they are both right about a basic requirement for British democracy: more radicalism from sensible people.

They want bolder action from progressives, and last week Burnham said that on his watch that would include electoral reform. He told The Observer that as prime minister he would include a commitment to introduce proportional representation with primary legislation - not a referendum - in the next Labour manifesto.

Earthquakes have aftershocks but not pre-shocks, so it's fitting that, beyond this, little has been said about Burnham's plans to put the first-past-the-post system out of its misery. But if he succeeds the impact will be seismic.