The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) recently released proposals for changes to Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England. The BCE is an independent and impartial non-departmental public body and has been tasked with ensuring every constituency (except for two covering the Isle of Wight) contains no fewer than 69,724 electors and no more than 77,062. For context, under current boundaries, sizes range from 54,551 to 111,716 electors.
The process to consult on and then finalise the new boundary proposals for all 650 constituencies will take a couple of years, so there is no immediate change, though it is likely that the new boundaries could be in place by the time of the next general election which has to take place by the end of 2024.
The changes proposed will mean that representation in England will be more fair and democratic. It is unfair for constituencies to range so much in size of population. The BCE has considered the geography of the areas, links to local towns and authorities and the layout of housing. In Worcestershire, the Commission has proposed that we retain 6 parliamentary seats and 4 will have no changes. But the Committee has proposed changes to the Redditch and my own Mid Worcestershire constituency.
My constituency of Mid Worcestershire has several thousand more than the permitted electorate range, and the neighbouring Redditch constituency with an electorate of 65,507 is below. The BCE has therefore proposed to extend the Redditch constituency both northwards and southwards to include the Wychavon District wards of Dodderhill and Harvington & Norton. The commission recognises that the proposals have the potential to disrupt economic and other ties between Wychbold and Droitwich Spa, and Norton and Evesham. In addition to these changes, the BCE has also proposed to change the name of the constituency from Mid Worcestershire to be renamed Droitwich and Evesham.
Having served these areas for many years already and having made good friendships and built connections with constituents, businesses, schools and charities in these wards, I would be sad to see them moved into another constituency. But there are few credible alternatives and I have repeatedly called for the equalisation of parliamentary seats in the past and completely support the underlying principles.
However, I also appreciate that this proposal represent a change for my constituents and I encourage anyone interested to study the proposals and share your views. The BCE is consulting for an 8-week period, closing on 2nd August 2021. The consultation portal can be found here: www.bcereviews.org.uk along with more information about the proposals.
