A KIDDERMINSTER author has joined a referendum campaign to change the voting system used to select MPs.

John Combe wants the Government to replace the current first-past-the-post system with the alternative vote (AV).

He is backing the Yes To Fairer votes Campaign, launched by Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg and wants Wyre Forest residents to vote yes in the AV referendum on May 5.

“For many many years I thought the voting system was rotten and I wanted it changed,” said Mr Combe, who got involved with the campaign after responding to a letter in The Shuttle.

"AV makes votes fairer and I think it will bring a more consensual Government.”

under the AV system voters would rank candidates and anyone getting more than 50 per cent of votes in the first round in a constituency would be elected as MP.

If a candidate does not get 50 per cent then the person with the fewest votes is eliminated and the second choices allocated to the remaining candidates. This is repeated until someone gets 50 per cent.

Mr Combe, who is known in Wyre Forest for his two books about live pop/rock music in the area, said:"It will make the MP's work harder because they will have to appeal to the general public more.

“It means an MP will have the support of more than 50 per cent of their constituents so the majority of people would be behind them."

The Wyre Forest Yes To Fairer Votes group will be running street stalls in Kidderminster on March 19, Stourport on March 26 and Bewdley on April 2.

People can get more information on the group’s Facebook page, Yes To Fairer Votes - Wyre Forest.