Sign in

Sandy Martin

@sandyofipswich.bsky.social
3.6K followers 3.5K following 992 posts

Chair, Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform, SERA Executive (Labour’s Environment Campaign), pro-EU, LGBT+, Democratic Socialist - for 1to1 dialogue feel free to email sandyofipswich@gmail.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 9h
These cartoons are utterly disgusting and anyone who continues to buy the Telegraph after this should be ashamed of themselves
0363
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 9h
Unfortunately I don’t think “are very low” really meets the need. “Zero” would be good. Failing that, “lower than would be expected from the same number of average UK citizens” (which is probably true) would be great. “You’re more likely to suffer crime from your fellow bigots” than from a refugee.
020
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Thanks Pete. I couldn’t put it better.
020
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
…could lose their seat, they wouldn’t lose it to the Green candidate but to either Tory or Reform. Greens jumping up and down and saying I’m being partisan and unreasonable are trying to cut off their own noses to spite their face.
110
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
…they are likely to take most of their votes from Labour and let the Tory/Reform candidate win, then it’s important to show the voters that their realistic choice is Labour. Between 2024 and May 2026 Labour lost a lot of support to the Greens but in almost every case where there’s a Labour MP who…..
100
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
There’s a really important point to be made here- the current voting system is extremely unfair to the Greens and I want to change it (as does the Prime Minister). But we can’t do that in a Tory/Reform government. So wherever the Greens can beat Tories/Reform they are extremely welcome. But wherever
100
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I didn’t say it was great for Labour, Laurie, or great for democracy in general, but it is very bad for the Greens. You don’t put your Leader up for election unless you think you have a very good chance of winning- and he didn’t.
310
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Jon @jonw67.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Thoughtful analysis from Peter Kellner.
kellnerp.substack.com
The figures that make Sagal Abdi-Wali’s victory remarkable
Ignore the Greens’ misleading claims. It was a catastrophic night for Zack Polanski
111
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Absolutely right. I don’t think it was a “meh” result for Labour though. Labour won Gorton & Denton comfortably in 2024 but everyone could see that the polls had moved massively by this year. I’m not taking anything away from the Greens’ convincing win over ReformUK there….
000
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
It is a terrible result for the Greens, Adam. In Gorton & Denton there was a massive swing from Labour to Green and Polanski must have assumed that he would achieve something similar. A really good high-profile leader can do such things- viz Makerfield- and ZP failed miserably to achieve it.
16241
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Electoral Reform Society @electoralreform.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The National Commission that Andy Burnham has announced must bring experts and the public together to build the consensus needed for truly representative democracy. buff.ly/BlaDSVv
buff.ly
Prime Minister announces manifesto pledge and historic National Commission at Labour Conference
Today, in his first conference speech as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham committed his party to changing the way we elect MPs. It is hard to overstate how significant that is.Speaking in L
174
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to a National Commission.” “We need to restore trust in our politics, and this is an important step in doing that.” ✍️ @andrewranger-mp.bsky.social #Labour4PR 🌹 www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/2660632...
leaderlive.co.uk
Andrew Ranger MP on attending Labour Party Conference in Liverpool
I attended the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool last week, where the Prime Minister delivered a powerful speech which set out a clear vision for the UK, for all four nations, to rewire the country...
1128
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Or maybe they’re just jockeying for position as captain of a sinking ship
050
Reposted by Sandy Martin
European Movement UK @europeanmovement.co.uk · 05/10/2026
"The current crop of European leaders are in no doubt, and whenever I've been on international delegations abroad they always say 'we still want you back.'" Harriet Harman on Electoral Dysfunction says she would like to see us go back into the EU, but the country has to be happy with it.
12012
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Point taken
010
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
There are a few seats which the Greens currently hold which Labour have no chance of winning- eg Waveney Valley - with proportional representation it will be possible for Labour votes in those constituencies to make a real difference, but in the meantime it’s a choice between Green and Tory
200
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Adam Cain @adamcain.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I keep coming back to the geographical profiles. Lib Dems and Labour barely overlap. They are natural partners so long as the political positioning is close enough for compromise. Greens largely overlap with Labour. The best way to stop the Greens getting into power is probably to vote Labour.
041
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Richard Corbett CBE @richardcorbett.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
‘Britain and the EU – what are the options?’ My article in @LabourList today examines the four main choices. (Tomorrow I will look at the obstacles- real or imagined) labourlist.org/2026/10/brit...
labourlist.org
'Britain and the EU – what are the options?' - LabourList
Foemer EPLP leader Richard Corbett sets out the options for our future relationship with the EU and how they would impact growth.
23822
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Opposition parties often make completely spurious claims- the less likely they are to form a government after the next election the more relaxed they are about making things up. This claim is so preposterous it suggests that the Tories know they have no chance of being in power on their own.
010
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Calling Zionism “racism” implies that there shouldn’t be a Jewish state. Calling for a single Palestinian state would do the Arab Palestinians no good at all as it would continue to be dominated by the Jewish population. Only a 2-state solution could possibly work.
010
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The problem with current antisemitism is conflating various issues. The behaviour of the Israeli government is genocidal and merits serious international action. The majority of the Jewish population in Israel/Palestine were born there. Denying them the right to live in their own country is wrong.
211
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Thanks Anna, but I’m just starting a much-needed holiday- I’m sure there are others who would be better placed to comment on this anyway
010
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The object is to reduce the amount of virgin raw material needed for new products and the amount of landfill and incineration for discarded materials. A levy on raw materials and a tax on incineration as well as on landfill should help achieve those. Sticks are usually more effective than carrots.
000
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
In my short time as shadow minister for waste & recycling I was shown around several “recycling” plants which were only too reminiscent of this “magical mouse mill”. With financial incentives for recycling, some people will find ways to claim those incentives that don’t meet the real objective
110
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
My guess is we will continue to see “Andy Burnham is said to….” stories. Most of them are rubbish. I’m interested in what he himself actually says. I’d be interested in what a named cabinet member has reported. But “is said” is just contentious filler, or it’s deliberately hostile briefing.
040
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Right wing media are claiming that Burnham is destroying the triple lock on pensions. This is untrue and they know it. The change is to make the earnings element follow the long-term rise in earnings rather than simply the annual increase- this clearly makes sense.
030
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
When investment creates “ownership” it enables unrealistic interest and dividend payments, often to the eventual destruction of the “host” company. It is not actually investment in the sense of building something, it is parasitism. Viz Thames Water
042
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The justification for capitalism is that it enables investment in successful and potentially successful enterprises. But private equity firms have transformed this into an arbitrary shuffling of finance. They should not control the direction of companies they invest in.
153
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We should ask WHY the council leader (ReformUK) said he couldn’t remember meeting the Council’s newly appointed CEO prior to appointing him. If he’s telling the truth then he must have severe memory loss problems and probably shouldn’t be leader of a council. If not, then he’s got something to hide.
193
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
This article is 2 months old. The great news is that the Prime Minister has announced the setting up of a National Commission for Electoral Reform. If you are a Labour member or supporter and you want to be part of building a new democracy, join us at www.Labourforelectoralreform.org.uk
labourforelectoralreform.org.uk
Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform | Home
A network of Labour members and supporters campaigning for proportional representation and democratic renewal
030
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Richard Corbett CBE @richardcorbett.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
“Burnham is right that ‘hope comes from honesty’. That’s why Labour must make the case for rejoining the EU.” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Burnham is right that ‘hope comes from honesty’. That’s why Labour must make the case for rejoining the EU | Sadiq Khan
Brexit was a disastrous act of national self-harm. Britain needs EU membership to bring growth and security in an increasingly volatile world, says London mayor Sadiq Khan
18220
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
"We've had a decade of turbulence in our politics and I think that has stopped Britain moving forward. If we look to the next decade I think we need to show that we can have a better politics, more about problem solving than point scoring" 🎙️ @andyburnham.bsky.social 🌹 #Labour4PR #R4Today
42817
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“Today I am announcing a new National Commission on Electoral Reform. I invite all the political parties to be part of its work. We will contest the next election with a manifesto commitment to change the electoral system” 💬 @andyburnham.bsky.social 🌹 #Labour4PR
15027
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Prime Minister announced National Commission for electoral reform at Conference this afternoon. Hurrah! Time for celebration now 🎉. Join us in www.Labourforelectoralreform.org.uk and help shape the new democracy @labour4pr.bsky.social
The timeline for Labour’s Journey to Electoral Reform
3166
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham expected to say he will push ahead with electoral reform plans
Exclusive: Labour conference speech will kick off process that could replace current system with proportional representation
010
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"Andy Burnham is expected to announce that he will push ahead with plans for electoral reform in his first conference speech as Labour leader" "One option open to Burnham is a new National Commission for Electoral Reform, an idea he endorsed at last year’s party conference" 🌹 #Labour4PR
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham expected to say he will push ahead with electoral reform plans
Exclusive: Labour conference speech will kick off process that could replace current system with proportional representation
23010
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
"This is the first time a Prime Minister has committed to changing the voting system ever. This is the closest we have been in the history of this country" 🎤 @alexsobel.co.uk 🌹 #Labour4PR
0135
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
"The radical right is a 30% proposition, First Past the Post is the only system in which they can take government" 💬 @robfordmancs.bsky.social
02010
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
"Defending democracy is constant work. One vital part of it is an electoral system that fairly reflects how people voted." 🌹 @jessicatoale.bsky.social
1166
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
💥 Dozens of local parties have sent electoral reform motions to #Lab26, thought to be more than any issue since the 2023 rule changes 🎯 Labour in Government must take the first step by launching a National Commission on Electoral Reform 🌹 We look forward to the debate #Labour4PR
labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk
Labour For A New Democracy - 2026 Contemporary Motion
The campaign for Labour to enact electoral reform, introduce Proportional Representation, and bring in fair votes
02416
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Josiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Via Labour for a New Democracy: Changing Britain’s voting system is among the most popular issues tabled for debate at this year’s Labour conference by local branches "At least three dozen Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) have submitted motions on the subject" - the most in three years apparently
36225
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
🗳️ The Big Electoral Reform Debate 🪑 @siennarodgers.bsky.social with @robfordmancs.bsky.social 🎤 For PR @jessicatoale.bsky.social @paulsweeney.bsky.social 🎤 For FPTP Supportive Labour MPs invited 🕡 18:45, Sun 27 Sept 📍 Auditorium 1C, ACC www.labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk/event-listin...
labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk
The Big Electoral Reform Debate — Labour For A New Democracy
Parliamentarians debate: is First Past the Post still fit for purpose?
056
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
🏛️ How electoral reform could unlock Britain’s full potential With @thefabians.bsky.social 🪑 @pollytoynbee.bsky.social 🎤 @alexsobel.co.uk 🎤 @rachelblakemp.bsky.social 🎤 @npjgarland.bsky.social 🎤 @eichhornjan.bsky.social 🕓 28 Sept 16.15 www.labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk/event-listin...
labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk
Rewiring the state: how electoral reform could unlock Britain’s full potential — Labour For A New Democracy
Join our joint fringe event with the Fabian Society
0910
Reposted by Sandy Martin
Electoral Reform Society @electoralreform.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The stark map of Saxony-Anhalt reveals how First Past the Post would have distorted the will of voters. With just 44%, AfD would control almost all seats, silencing the majority. buff.ly/Mfk1vNP
buff.ly
First Past the Post would have given the AfD nearly every seat in Saxony-Anhalt
There has been much coverage in recent days of the outcome of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, which lies in eastern Germany. It is unusual for regional elections in other countries
01010
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
“Some people don’t know who we are any more” - indeed! And it’s the racists who know it least. There’s no such thing as racial ‘purity’. And the English are some of the most mixed people in the world. Having Asian ancestry is widespread- mine is 1/16th
063
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Politics is different under PR so predictions are always hypothetical, but my guess is that a left-leaning coalition led by Labour would have replaced the right-leaning coalition in 2015, and we would still be members of the EU as a consequence.
000
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
This won’t happen in Germany. With proportional representation you don’t get a one-party majority government unless one party gets a majority of the vote. If we had had PR in the UK we would have had the Tory-Lib Dem coalition from 2010 to 2015, but that would probably have been replaced in 2015
110
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
As we saw in the UK with the Tory-Lib Dem coalition, an inappropriate coalition can do immense electoral harm to the junior partner. In 2010 Tories and Lib Dems between them got a significant majority of the vote. But then in 2015 First Past the Post awarded an overall majority to the Tories.
100
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A coalition between AfD and BSW will do 2 things: it will restrain AfD from doing some of the worst things they could have done if they governed alone, and it will finally and helpfully discredit BSW which is not a progressive party, leaving the way for more people to vote SPD and Linke in future.
110
Sandy Martin @sandyofipswich.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
My German is not good, but I understand that the BSW - which is supposedly a “left-leaning” populist party that has sprung up around a charismatic leader in recent years- will form a regional government with AfD. This is not good, but it’s much better than AfD running Saxony-Anhalt on their own.
110