Guardian – Supporters and opponents alike have acknowledged that the alternative vote would never be introduced for Westminster elections after the proposal received a thumping defeat in the national referendum.

With three-quarters of the votes counted, the no campaign had established an unassailable lead of 69% to 31%, another wounding blow to Nick Clegg, whose Liberal Democrats had secured a referendum as one of their cherished prizes in negotiations with the Conservatives when they formed the coalition last year.

“I think it is very clear that the people have spoken, that the alternative vote is not a runner and we must respect that decision.”

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