Boundary Commission publishes public response to shake-up of Parliamentary constituencies

The body in charge of a controversial shake-up of Parliamentary constituencies which could see Yorkshire lose four MPs will publish results from its first round of public consultations today.
Houses of ParliamentHouses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament

Under provisional plans released last year, almost every constituency in the wider Yorkshire region will have its boundaries re-drawn ahead of the next general election in a bid to equalise voter numbers and cut the total number of MPs from 650 to 600.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has now completed a 12-week consultation on the proposals, and reports that plans to move some South Bradford wards to neighbouring seats have proven to be among the most controversial suggestions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This feedback can be viewed online and will be used to revise the Commission’s proposals ahead of a final consultation either at the end of this year or the beginning of 2018.

BCE secretary Sam Hartley said: “Public input is invaluable throughout the 2018 Boundary Review. Comments made during both consultations will help us develop a well-rounded picture of how local communities live and work together across the country.

“This local knowledge will be essential when we revise our proposals. Any changes will be based on your comments so it’s important to have your say.”

If the existing proposals are upheld, the Penistone and Stocksbridge constituency currently held by Labour’s Angela Smith would be abolished, with two of the wards joining a new Sheffield Hallam and Stocksbridge constituency.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Batley and Spen would become two constituencies, while Hull would see the creation of a new Hull West and Haltemprice seat, raising questions over the future of existing Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson and Brexit Secretary David Davis.

Only three seats across Yorkshire – Beverley and Holderness, East Yorkshire and Elmet and Rothwell – would be unchanged.

The results of the first consultation can be found on the Commission’s consultation portal at www.bce2018.org.uk.