Last year a lot of things changed. The election gave us a new government, introducing many of us to the idea of a hung parliament and its consequences, Biteback moved to fancy new offices, it snowed on Christmas, and (sorry for the spoiler, for those who haven’t seen Toy Story 3) Buzz and Woody got a new owner. I still don’t know how I feel about all this change.
However, just when you thought you’d caught up with everything, 2011 has rolled round, promising its own changing landscape, with little time to stop and admire the scenery. We at Biteback aren’t entirely sure about what kind of changes this year will bring, maybe the British public will all show their discontent with the coalition by voting Green, but then again electoral reform is probably a much more distinct possibility.
The ballot box is the only thing guaranteed to make politicians listen. Electoral rules shape the nature of our politics and the first nationwide referendum for over 35 years is on the horizon. Although May seems like a long time away (especially when the morning weather forecast is reporting rain and ice), but it can easily come and even more easily go, and with British politics facing its greatest change for 35 years, it is important to know all about the reform before it happens.
But don’t worry, Biteback and Alan Renwick are here to help with a new title, A Citizen’s Guide to Electoral Reform. This easy-to-read guide cuts through the obscurities and lets you know what’s really at stake when the referendum comes.
Now the change won’t be too much of a shock. Unfortunately, we can’t do a book on Toy Story 4, you’ll have to just prepare yourself mentally for that one.
A Citizen's Guide to Electoral Reform by Alan Renwick is released this week and you can order it here for £9.99