A MAJORITY of MPs back a review of Britain’s voting system, new polling suggests as campaigners say elections urgently need and upgrade for modern times.

Some 53 per cent of MPs were in favour of establishing a national commission on electoral reform, YouGov found.

The polling was published ahead of a parliamentary debate on the proposal to examine alternatives to the first past the post system on September 2.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised a national commission on electoral reform in this parliament and the polling found support is even higher among Labour MPs, with 55 per cent in favour and just 29 against. 

Speaking at Labour’s annual conference last September, Mr Burnham said: “I’m here to endorse the call for a national commission to be set up in this parliament — and a manifesto commitment to a system of proportional representation to be introduced into Westminster elections in the next parliament.”

Campaigners have urged the PM to seize the moment for reform while he had a workable parliamentary majority. 

Britain last rejected electoral reform in 2011 after a referendum was held to ask whether to change to an alternative vote system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference.

Make Votes Matter chief executive Emma Harrison said: “I’ve spoken alongside Andy in favour of proportional representation, I know he supports it — now he must show the public he deserves our trust.”

Unlock Democracy CEO Tom Brake said: “Our democracy is in dire need of an update. The Prime Minister’s position on electoral reform is hugely welcome, but there is no time to waste.

“Westminster elections urgently need an upgrade for the 21st century, from electoral reform to caps on political donations and more robust protections from online disinformation.”