THE election is over, and we have a new government, but the fact remains that many MPs were elected by a minority vote.

It is now obvious that proportional representation is needed, but what kind, now that first-past-the-post is failing the electorate?

The single transferable vote method is my preference. A constituency the same as those of the MEPs with 72 in all – would elect nine MPs each, voting in preference, instead of marking an ‘X’ for one candidate, as at present.

Once a candidate gets elected, their votes are subtracted. Any left over from the 50 per cent they need to be elected are proportionally added to the the unelected votes until another candidate gets 50 per cent of the remaining votes – and so on.

This would probably end up with something like two or three Tories, two or three Labour MPs, two or three Lib Dems or Scottish or Welsh candidates, and one Green or independent per constituency, in line with the electorate’s wishes.

That way, 95 per cent of the electorate will have elected 95 per cent of the MPs, even if only by their fourth preference.

MPs would still be accountable to their constituents, who would, in turn, be able to write to the MP of their choice.

The only snag that I can see is that it would take a little longer to count the votes, due to the transferred votes. But, if Ireland can do, it I’m sure the UK can.

R BROOKER, Bullingdon Road, Oxford