Conservative conference: We must honour deal on AV vote, insists Willaim Hague

Published on 03/10/2010 20:06

WILLIAM Hague has warned Tory rebels to back off and allow the party to honour its coalition deal commitment to the Lib Dems to hold a referendum on electoral reform next May.

The Foreign Secretary's words were taken by many as a shot across the bows of up to 90 MPs considering voting for a Labour amendment to switch the date of the referendum on the alternative vote system from 5 May to 8 September. It was also seen as a message to them not to put in wrecking amendments such as asking for a minimum turnout threshold. Mr Hague told delegates: "The Lib Dems have honoured their word and we will honour ours. Let us be clear that we will hold the referendum and hold it on schedule."