YOUR correspondent Sue Lawford makes an interesting observation with regard to the fact that Swindon’s new MPs were voted into office by only 43 per cent of the town’s population (SA, May 12), I suspect she means 43 per cent of those who voted.

However, such a trend line has been evident for over 23 years as is evidenced by the last six General Elections. Swindon’s previous Labour MPs secured their seats with equally low support other than in the 2005 General Election when the share of the vote went marginally over 50 per cent, but an average of 46 per cent has won the seat over the past six elections.

What should be of greater concern is the reduction in the number of people voting which, following a high of 86.5 per cent in 1992, has steadily fallen over four elections to settle on a low in the mid 60 per cent mark. MS Lawford suggests that because minority groups do not seem to get the representation she thinks appropriate that somehow this makes the process ‘undemocratic’. I am always amazed that such claims are only made when the result doesn’t go the way one wanted it to go.

I doubt any one form of voting will satisfy every party, I certainly acknowledge a Parliamentary review is necessary and I am glad that the new coalition government is committed to offering a referendum on the Alternative Vote system of Proportional Representation. Whether AV is ‘democratic’ enough will, I suspect depend on the outcome it produces.

DES MORGAN Caraway Drive Swindon