Mark Salathiel produced this great analysis of the recent 2021 local election for Eastleigh Borough Council which illustrates the issue within our current political system. I added a pie chart to further illustrate.
The Eastleigh Lib Dem group got 45% of the votes, but obtain 83% control of the council.
Less than half of us voted for Lib Dems, but they have 4/5 of the seats. They are disproportionately represented.
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LD - 44%, 10 seats, 1,560 votes per seat
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CON - 36%, 1 seat, 12,950 votes per seat
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IND - 6%, 1 seat, 2,113 votes per seat (only 3 independents stood)
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LAB - 12%, 0 seats from their 4,414 votes.
If we want a council representative of our views, vote tactically or there should be an election pact between opposition parties to stand aside and not split the opposition vote. I get this means some people won’t be able to vote for the party they want to, but your preferred party should get more representation on the council.