BRITISH PRIME minister David Cameron has ordered the Conservative party to step up its campaign against the referendum to change voting rules, following fears it could cost the party 40 seats.
Up to recent days leading Conservatives around Mr Cameron have been careful not to overplay their opposition to the referendum on the Alternative Vote (AV) for fear it could endanger relations with the Liberal Democrats.
However, it now emerges that senior party figures – elections expert Stephen Gilbert, party co-chairman Andrew Feldman and regional campaign director Darren Mott – have issued stark warnings about the implications of a Yes vote.
Under the proposed change, MPs would have to get 50 per cent of the vote to be elected. This has led to concerns that AV would fuel support for smaller parties and allow the Lib Dems to be a permanent coalition player with either the Tories or Labour.
Some fear it could cost the Conservatives up to 40 seats, while Labour may lose 15, but some Conservative losses would be offset by gains from the creation of more constituencies of similar size. This is due to take place by 2015, whether the referendum passes or not.
Opinion polls on the issue have differed markedly but the latest indications show the Yes campaign three points ahead. However, a third of voters have yet to make up their minds on the issue which will be decided on May 5th.
The Yes vote is highest in Scotland, according to a YouGov poll, at 41 points but lowest in Wales at 28 points. The No vote is weakest in London, with 24 per cent of those polled saying they would vote against.
Tories are particularly concerned because the referendum is being held along with Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly elections. But only half of English councils will be up for election, possibly lowering the Conservative turnout.
Deputy prime minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said: “The No campaign is in terrible trouble. They are trying to turn it into an individual beauty contest when, of course, most people are not that daft.
“They really shouldn’t insult the intelligence of the British people. When they are asked to vote about AV, they will vote about the electoral system. They are not going to vote about their personal opinions about one politician or another.”
