Labour Switches Voting Rules To Prop Up Its Candidate In July 30 Manchester By-Election

Labour's Andy Burnham plan is already raising questions about timing and electoral rules. If Burnham wins a Westminster seat and leaves the Greater Manchester mayoralty, Labour is reportedly preparing not only for a rapid by-election, but also for a change in the voting system.Michael Heaver looks at speculation over whether Burnham could trigger a snap general election if he became Prime Minister, despite reports that he is now ruling that out. He then turns to the potential Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, with Labour reportedly looking at July 30 as a possible date if Burnham becomes an MP. More controversially, ministers are said to be considering a switch away from first past the post to the supplementary vote system, where second preferences could play a decisive role.