Make My Vote Count

The campaign for voter choice and a more representative parliament

 Skip navigation

We must not let MPs resume normal service

Now that MPs are back at Westminster, they think it's possible to resume life as it was before - as if the expense scandal never happened.  It's up to us to remind them that we've not forgotten - and that we'll be holding them accountable any way we can until we have a real voice in Parliament.

And yes, that includes donning masks of leading politicians and riding around the country on a 'Gravy Train': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bZ7aOaUDas

Since the middle of September, we've been visiting some of the worst offending MPs, and those with the power to change things at Westminster, with a primary-coloured carnival caravan we've dubbed the Gravy Train. Take a moment to watch a short video we put together chronicling the first day's route targeting MPs Ann Keen, Tony McNulty, and Claire Ward.

We have subsequently taken the Gravy Train to the Labour and Conservative Party Conferences, and to Hazel Blears' Salford constituency.  Last week the Gravy Train was back in town to greet MPs upon their return to Westminster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVFG4HxlPXg

Our aim is to use a more light-hearted and visual approach as a way in to (i) discussing the impact of the voting system and why we need a change with a broader section of people (ii) lobbying specific MPs that are roadblocks to reform to try getting them to concede that a referendum is a necessary step to restoring public trust and engagement.

It's been quite a ride so far, and it's not over yet. Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking the Gravy Train to Yorkshire and Lancashire; visiting Yvette Cooper, Ed Balls, Jack Straw, Shahid Malik and David Blunkett.

We've got electoral reform on the agenda. And we're going to keep it there - by calling out MPs who stand in the way of reform, and by pressing our case for legislation that will put forward the timetable for a referendum.

Can you help us keep the campaign's momentum up?

1) SIGN this letter to Gordon Brown calling for decisive action now on a referendum, not more empty promises.

2) SHARE the Gravy Train Video with your friends and contacts - via email, Facebook, Twitter etc

3) Think of some creative way of showing your support for the campaign on 5 November and Bonfire Weekend. We have some suggestions for you to act on at your own bonfire / fireworks party or at communal event, and we'll be emailing them round next week. But in the meantime get your thinking caps on ... and even your ideas so we can share them with everyone else. 

Posted: 21/10/09

<- Older Newer ->