How We Score MP Voting Records

How We Choose Divisions

We track 9 parliamentary divisions across 7 bills on leasehold-related policy. Of these, 7 are scored and 2 are historical (shown for context but not affecting the score). For each division, we manually verify that voting “Aye” unambiguously means supporting the policy. We prefer:

1. Third Reading votes — Aye = support the bill passing into law
2. Second Reading votes — Aye = support the bill in principle
3. Report Stage amendments — Aye = support a specific reform clause

We deliberately exclude procedural motions such as “motion to disagree with Lords Amendment” where voting “No” can actually mean supporting the policy. This is a common source of misrepresentation on automated parliamentary data sites.

Score Calculation

The percentage score represents the proportion of scored divisions where the MP voted “Aye” (supporting the policy). Historical divisions are excluded.

MPs not yet serving at the time of a division are marked “Not MP” and excluded from their eligible count.

Multiple Divisions Per Bill

Some bills have multiple divisions (e.g. Leasehold Reform has 3: 2 scored + 1 historical). Each scored division counts independently toward the score. An MP could support one amendment but not another within the same bill.

Historical Divisions

Some divisions are marked historical and shown for transparency but excluded from the score. Reasons include lopsided results that don't differentiate MPs (e.g. 14–304 vote) or Opposition Day motions where the government side routinely abstains.

Opposition Day Motions

Opposition Day votes are now marked as historical. Government-side MPs typically abstain on these motions by convention, so absence reflects whipping practice rather than policy stance.

Report Stage vs Readings

Most leasehold bills passed their Second and Third Readings “on the voices” (without a recorded division), reflecting cross-party support. Our Report Stage divisions capture votes on specific amendments, not on the bill as a whole.

Speech Keyword Counts

Hansard keyword mentions include all contexts — an MP may mention “leasehold” while opposing reform, not just supporting it. The count reflects engagement with the topic, not necessarily support.