DUMBARTON and the Vale’s MP is in doubt about whether residents should have to show ID to be allowed to vote under suggested electoral reform.

Martin Docherty-Hughes was responding to concerns raised by the head of the Electoral Commission, Sir John Holmes, who said the UK was facing a “perfect storm” of threats.

Sir John said electoral laws were a “mess” and needed updated as the commission investigates allegations of Russian interference in the Brexit referendum and general election.

He called for photo IDs and new transparency around political campaigns and who pays for them.

There could also be bigger fines for political parties or groups who try to get around spending limits.

Sir John told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It would be naive to assume that what we know happened in the US and France around their elections did not and could not happen here.”

But Mr Docherty-Hughes, MP for West Dunbartonshire, said replacing the first-past-the-post system would be more important in the long run.

He told the Reporter: “Sir John Holmes is right to say that electoral reform is long overdue.To be taken seriously on the world stage the UK’s electoral process must be significantly reformed to better promote democratic representation and accountability.

“However, I have reservations about the Electoral Commission’s suggestion of requiring compulsory ID for voting. This can only result in disenfranchising the most disadvantaged voters in communities like West Dunbartonshire, where more than half of adults living in low income households do not own a driving licence.

“I believe the most important reform needed is replacing the unfair and outdated first-past-the-post voting system. This would represent a major step in delivering an electoral system fit for the future which ensures every vote in every part of the country counts.

“This is one of the major aims for my SNP colleagues and I at Westminster, as is abolishing the unelected and unaccountable House of Lords which continues to be an affront to democracy in what is supposed to be a 21st century Parliament.”