Electoral reform campaigners have welcomed the Scottish parliament's decision to support proportional representation for local government elections.

On Wednesday MSPs voted for the single transferable vote system - a move which will challenge Labour's dominance in Scots town halls.

Ken Ritchie, chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, said the move would benefit voters and local democracy.

"We are delighted that MSPs have voted so overwhelmingly to back a change to the way local councils are elected in Scotland. We believe that the STV system is fairer to parties and much better for voters," he said.

"Changing to a preferential system will allow voters more choice and end the need in some cases for tactical voting. Changing to a proportional system means parties will broadly get a share of the seats that their share of the votes warrants.

"Once this bill is passed, councils will no longer be dominated by parties with huge majorities gained on a minority of the votes cast.

"We congratulate MSPs on their work to pass this bill so far and urge them to complete the passage as a matter of priority."