Politicians face increasing scepticism from the public. The old categories of left and right still exist, but many MPs (in the UK) try to hide the true nature of their policies by disguising them as a 'Third Way' between capitalism and social justice. There is a good reason for this. Elections are won on the middle ground, and politicians naturally want to appeal to the maximum number of voters. However, the law of unintended consequences results in electors being put off by the 'spin' and losing trust in politicians as those from the left say one thing and do another while those from the right feel they have to deny their natural tax-cutting instincts so as not to sound too 'extreme'.

Why not restore a little trust? A party from left or right could simply assure voters: we will only implement measures both you and we believe in. This 'double lock' means bills would have to be supported by more than half the electorate and also more than half the party before a first reading. A number of positive consequences should follow:

1) 'unpopular' laws would no longer be passed

2) the leader of a party could no longer act against the beliefs of the rank-and-file (the 'back-benchers' in the UK)

3) politicians would no longer have the same incentive to pretend to be something they're not

4) voters would go to the polls knowing that they could still elect the party that was on balance the better option but had certain extreme views, safe in the knowledge that they held a veto over any unpopular measures (such as privatising the state-run National Health Service)

5) politicians would also enjoy the same benefit while voting in any leadership election, since they would also hold a policy veto

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree