Sandy Martin and Joan Ruddock are responding to a report about Labour and voting reform. They argue that the 2011 referendum was specifically about the Alternative Vote system, not proportional representation. The Alternative Vote is considered suitable for electing individuals but not for forming a government. Martin suggests the 2011 referendum was largely a popularity contest for Nick Clegg, influenced by public misunderstanding of the proposals. He believes many voters were unaware of the referendum's actual terms. Martin proposes that a national commission gathering widespread evidence is a more reliable method for gauging public opinion. This should be followed by a general election with a manifesto commitment to reform. Such a process would better represent the true views of the British people than a referendum.