MORE than 100 Labour MPs have backed calls for an urgent review of electoral reform.

They are among nearly 200 MPs across eight parties supporting an examination of changes to the electoral system.

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated an openness to moving away from first past the post but has suggested that he will not move without an electoral mandate for change.

The MPs have urged the setting up of a national commission on electoral reform. According to a YouGov survey of MPs, more than half support a review, with just 34 per cent opposed.

Electoral reform is already agreed Labour Party policy, albeit one which Mr Burnham’s predecessor Sir Keir Starmer entirely ignored.

Speaking in the Commons today, Mr Burnham said: “I am interested in looking at how we restore trust in politics. I am prepared to look at all of those issues, alongside the voting system.”

MPs were preparing to vote on an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill establishing a commission last night, with 193 having already indicated support.

Labour MP Alex Sobel, who tabled the amendment, said: “Electoral reform is an issue we need to make real progress on.

“Andy Burnham is right in his longstanding support for proportional representation and a national commission on electoral reform, and I’m delighted that over a quarter of the Parliamentary Labour Party have joined me to back that call.

“The government should launch a commission so that it can report in time for the next manifesto.”