Plans to modernise Parliament by allowing proxy voting for new parents will be voted on by MPs tonight, with supporters saying politics “must be dragged into the 21st century”
Current rules mean MPs can only vote in person, making it difficult for heavily.. pregnant MPs and those on maternity or paternity leave to take part.
MPs have long complained this means their constituents miss out on being represented.
The changes are backed by Conservative Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom and senior Labour figure Harriet Harman who described the cross-party support for the reform as a “powerful alliance”.
But there is concern that the proposal could be scuppered after a series of amendments were tabled by backbench Tory Philip Davies.
Labour MP Tulip Siddiq brought the demand for proxy voting to the fore this month when she delayed her Caesarean section to take part in the meaningful vote on Brexit.
Her situation caused outcry among MPs. Speaker John Bercow described it as “lamentable” that the Government had not taken action to bring in proxy voting despite MPs having signalled a year ago that they were in favour of it.
Ms Siddiq, whose son Raphael is now 12 days old, told the Standard: “This is long overdue. I sincerely hope it passes tonight and allows Parliament to be dragged into the 21st century. There are major votes tomorrow and if I’m allowed a proxy vote, it means I can represent the voices of my constituents in Hampstead and Kilburn without compromising my health.”
The proposal voted on tonight is for a one-year trial of proxy voting and would allow an MP to vote on another’s behalf. Typically the vote would be cast by the MP’s whip.
Mr Davies, however, is calling for proxy voting to be extended to include sick MPs and also those who have suffered a miscarriage.
Critics fear these amendments could delay the pilot proxy scheme.
A senior government source said today: “It’s a very reasonable suggestion but it’s important we use this pilot to see how proxy voting works for a small and specific group of MPs.”
Ms Siddiq said: “There is merit to some of his amendments but the crucial thing is to get the trial period under way, otherwise no one benefits.”.
