Protesters marched outside parliament during the crucial coalition talks, to demand a fairer voting system. Is the current first-past-the-post method good enough, or does it fail to represent public opinion? The Liberal Democrats in Hillingdon would argue that, after 58,000 votes in their favour failed to secure a single seat on the council, it does not. Now the new government has promised a referendum. DAN COOMBS and SIBA MATTI spoke to different politicians to find out their views on reform, and the coalition itself
JOHN RANDALL , Conservative MP for Uxbridge and Ruislip South, said: "We have promised a referendum on the Alternative Vote, but I still think the jury is out on the issue.
"I have always liked the direct constituency link between myself in parliament and the area which the current system provides.
"I am not convinced it is something people want. Not one person mentioned it to me while on the doorstep when I was canvassing for.
"I believe we are witnessing a very exciting moment for British politics. I have always had to work with other people in different parties and have done successfully on many issues.
"There was a high voter turnout at the election and it is good to see people engaged with politics."
JOHN McDONNELL , Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, said: "I have always supported the Alternative Vote, and I am open to discussion on Proportional Representation as long as you retain the constituency link.
"If you lose the link then MPs become unaccountable. The debate will no doubt rumble on.
"I find it interesting that the two parties want to set it so that the election is fixed every five years, because I am of the opinion that the coalition will eventually fall apart."
NICK HURD , Conservative MP for Ruislip, Pinner, and Northwood, said: "I think it (the coalition) will be very challenging, but there is a real appetite to make it work.
"Both parties have shown some flexibility in meshing together a coherent agreement on policy, which preserves the bulk of the Conservative manifesto.
"I think the parties will work together well on education as there is agreement on the idea of encouraging new, free independent schools.
"And yes, we have made a very big commitment to a referendum on changing the voting system to AV. That is controversial, but why not let the people decide?
"Going forward, much will depend on the chemistry of individuals, not least Nick Clegg and David Cameron. All I can say is, so far so good."
MIKE COX , leader of the Liberal Democrat party in Hillingdon, which lost all of its seats in Hillingdon at the local elections, said: "The Alternative Vote is not Proportional Representation, but would be a small step forward for us.
"We have 58,000 but nobody on the council to represent those, and that outcome shows the system is quite ridiculous.
"The coalition is interesting as it shows what can be done when you think outside the box, creating a new politics. Sadly, locally it seems to have gone backwards.
"I was worried I might lose my own seat, as the local election being at the same time as the general election always makes thing difficult, as people tend to vote tribally."
DAVID GAUKE , Conservative MP for South West Herts, said: "Of course, I would have preferred an outright Conservative majority, but given the result in the general election and the need to tackle the financial crisis, I think this was the best outcome available.
"There will be difficulties and disagreements from time to time but I think there is a sense of goodwill and determination in both parties to make this work.
"In particular, the relationship between David Cameron and Nick Clegg appears to be a strong one and I think they will work well together. The agreement is that we will not have a general election until May 7, 2015.
"On the important issue of schools policy, the Liberal Democrats have agreed with our free schools policy and Michael Gove has been appointed as schools secretary.
"I am hopeful that this will make it easier to open new schools and, in particular, ensure that we get a new school in the Rickmansworth area as soon as possible."
CHRIS WHITE , leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition at Herts County Council, run by the Conservatives, said: "This is an opportunity to show that political parties can work together provided they have a transparency-agreed programme based on principles rather than personalities.
"The new government gives an opportunity to the county to recover from the economic crisis in which we find ourselves.
"Moreover, the move to fair votes will ensure that the voice of Hertfordshire people is properly heard at national and local level."
"This does not mean that we will backpedal in any way in our criticism of the failures of the Conservatives at county hall.
"Their dismal record on controlling costs, on repairing potholes and providing school places is just as bad today as it was yesterday and a year ago. We will continue to campaign for competence at county hall."
