Thomas Docherty: Nick Clegg must play fair on vote reform

It is rare that an issue unites Labour, SNP politicians, Welsh and Irish Nationalists, and Ulster Unionists. But the UK government's proposal to hold a referendum on the Alternative Voting (AV) system on 5 May 2011 has done just that.

In May, David Cameron and Nick Clegg promised a new sort of politics - one that would "respect the institutions of devolution". Mr Clegg, in particular, emphasised improving relationships between Whitehall and the devolved Parliaments and Assemblies.

It was, therefore, a surprise when he announced that the AV referendum would be held on the same day as elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly and council elections in much of England and Northern Ireland.Mr Clegg has admitted that at no point did his officials consult the devolved governments.

The anger expressed by First Minister Alex Salmond and shared by Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray was not just about the lack of respect but who would run the referendums. One of the most embarrassing events in Scottish politics was the 2007 Scottish Parliament and local government elections.A report found holding both elections on the same day had been a primary factor in voter confusion and delayed results.

The recommendation that Scottish Parliament election be held in future as a standalone plebiscite was agreed by all parties. For the Lib Dems and Conservatives to have abandoned this is frankly astonishing.

The final reason for suggesting an alternative date is to ensure the fairest ballot possible. Large areas of England have no elections scheduled on May 5 and history shows us turnout in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections will be significantly higher than turnout in those parts of England having Council elections on that day. If the referendum is held on the same day, we will not have a level playing field for participation.

Nick Clegg claims that Fair Votes is what motivates the referendum, but shamefully the Lib Dems in government will act unfairly to achieve it.

• Thomas Docherty is MP for Dunfermline and West Fife