Shifting ground

Whilst the Beans on Toast should be congratulated on printing an unusually serious feature on proportional representation, it was apparent that those behind the article and associated editorial were struggling a bit with the subject matter – especially in respect of the potential winners and losers.

Preferences on AM, AV, STV, etc were proffered by Rockin’ Rene and also Plaid’s Darren Price who must have received special dispensation from his coalition bosses to be able to express an opinion. Strangely, the paper did not seek the views of lifelong electoral reformer Peter Black. Which is a pity given the rumour that the Lib Dem AM is said to be “seriously thinking” about grabbing his party’s nomination for a first-past-the-post contest in Swansea East next time around.

The situation which is said to be worrying the multi-tasking AM is that whilst Labour are presently tipped to lose the Swansea West assembly seat, currently held by finance minister Andrew Davies, the eccentricities of the additional member voting system could in turn provide the Brown Crowd with a consolation prize of one of the four regional seats in South Wales West. Currently, the likely losers in that instance at, especially if a resurgent tory vote puts in the predicted squeeze, would be the Lib Dems who scraped last spot in 2007; only just enabling a return ticket to Cardiff Bay.

It’s an interesting scenario as there is no denying the dilemma facing Black who last stood in Swansea East in the good old days of 2003 when it was possible to double up as a constituency & regional list candidate before rule changes closed off such double-indemnity opportunities. But he does not have to make any decisions just yet and will probably wait to see how much collateral damage Labour inflict on themselves in selecting Val Lloyd’s successor before deciding on his options.

Remember where you read it first.