Letter: Question of trust

What is the basic case for moving the date of the referendum on the alternative vote to one different from the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and English local elections? Both Thomas Docherty MP and Jim Tolson MSP seem to think it is all about eliminating voter confusion by having two polls on the same day (your report, 12 October). We are really not as stupid as that!

But the case for moving the AV vote to next autumn is a powerful one for a different reason. It will help allow the whole question of how to clean up politics to be considered separately.

AV would not make a major difference in linking the number of votes cast for a party to the number of seats it gained. Gordon Brown, as prime minister, proposed the measure because he felt it might enhance the credibility of MPs by making sure they had the support of at least 50 per cent of those voting. This had to seen in the context of restoring the reputation of elected representatives after the expenses scandals.

It is only right the whole matter be considered away from the inevitable furore over who controls the devolved legislatures after next spring. The Conservative/Lib Dem coalition will be judged on how effective it has been in helping restore trust between the Westminster parliament and the people. It can help do that by conceding the change of date of the date of the referendum as well as shouting loud about the other reforms it will introduce.

BOB TAYLOR

Shiel Court

Glenrothes, Fife