UK MPs have voted narrowly in favor of a bill calling for the introduction of proportional representation (PR) in parliamentary and local elections. The vote, passed 137 to 135, marks the first time Westminster has backed such a proposal, though it is unlikely to lead to immediate legal changes.

The bill, introduced by the Liberal Democrats as a 10-minute rule bill, calls for a shift to a PR system. While these bills rarely become law, the vote represents a symbolic moment in UK politics, signaling growing support for electoral reform. The previous attempt in 2016 was defeated by a larger margin.

The bill was supported by 62 Lib Dem MPs and 59 Labour backbenchers, including many from the 2024 intake. Despite Labour’s 2022 conference backing PR, leader Keir Starmer has ruled out any immediate change under a Labour government. However, a number of Labour MPs voted for the bill, while 50 opposed it, reflecting ongoing divisions within the party.

Conservative MPs, including many frontbenchers, overwhelmingly opposed the bill. Sarah Olney, the Lib Dems’ Cabinet Office spokesperson, hailed the vote as a “historic day” in the fight for electoral reform, emphasizing the need for a fairer system to rebuild trust in the political process.