[benaston]

It is my understanding that AV was a horrible compromise, desired by no-one (even the smaller parties).

Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats was king-maker and part of the coalition (deputy PM) in the last government. With a smaller party in power, this was seen as a crucial opportunity for electoral reform.

Ultimately, Clegg blew it - and I don't think this is an exaggeration.

What we are left with is the SNP needing 26,000 votes per seat in the Commons, and UKIP needing 3.9 million votes per seat. Only 30 million votes were cast in total!

This can be said to be deeply undemocratic, regardless of your political persuasion.