Labour opposition to AV exposes staggering hypocrisy - Hughes

1.56.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 29th Jul 2010

Simon Hughes, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Commenting on Labour's decision to oppose legislation for a referendum on the alternative vote, which was a commitment in their manifesto, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes said:

"This is staggering hypocrisy from Labour.

"Labour's shadow cabinet decision is not about principle, it is about naked opportunism.

"With most of their leadership contenders claiming to back AV for a fairer voting system, it is astonishing they now wish to block the legislation to make that happen.

"Each and every Labour MP campaigned on a manifesto committing to a referendum. Now they have the opportunity to make this happen but have chosen to say no for opposition's sake.

"Labour can no longer claim to be the party of reform. It is now the party of vested interests and shameless self-interest."