Initial proposals published by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) today reveal that the Tatton Constituency could be abolished before the next general election and Wilmslow could be split between two constituencies.
MP George Osborne could see his constituency, which is considered too small with an electorate of 63,358, completely disappear.
Whilst expressing his full support for a Boundary Review, which could see the former Chancellor of the Exchequer lose his seat, George Osborne says he will be standing for election in 2020.
George Osborne said "It's very important that the boundaries of constituencies are changed periodically to reflect changes in the population – and it's very unfair at present that not all constituencies are of equal size. So I fully support the Boundary Review as a part of our democracy.
"We've now seen the first draft of the proposals. It involves big changes for my constituency. I'm going to consider carefully whether they can be improved upon and whether to make representations. Whatever the final boundaries, I look forward to putting myself forward to voters for re-election for Cheshire in 2020."
Following a decision by Parliament to reduce the number of constituencies in the UK to 600 from 650, and to ensure that the number of electors in each constituency is more equal, the BCE has been asked to make independent recommendations about where the boundaries of English constituencies should be. The BCE must report to Parliament in 2018 and, if agreed by Parliament, the new constituencies will be in use at the next scheduled General Election in 2020.
Publication of the initial proposals today is the first time people get to see what the map of new constituencies might look like. Under the proposals announced today, only 68 of the existing 533 English constituencies remain unchanged.
The proposals would see the Macclesfield constituency extend to the north‐west to include most of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and the Chelford ward from the existing Tatton constituency. Wilmslow Dean Row and Handforth would be included the Bramhall and Poynton constituency whilst Knutsford, Mobberley and High Legh are in the proposed Altrincham and Tatton Park constituency.
Sam Hartley, Secretary to the Commission, said: "Today's proposals mark the first time people get to see what the new map of Parliamentary constituencies might look like. But they are just the Commission's initial thoughts – during the next 12 weeks we want people to take a look and tell us what they like and don't like about our proposals. Parliament has set us tight rules about reducing the number of constituencies, and making them of more equal size, and we now need the views of people around the country to help us shape constituencies that best reflect local areas. Use our website to tell us what you think, or come along to one of our public events to give us your views in person."
Today's publication marks the start of 12 weeks of consultation. People can comment on anything from where the proposed new boundary lines are to the names of the constituencies by using the BCE's website.
The consultation closes on 5 December 2016. There will be a further two rounds of consultation in 2017. Following the conclusion of all three consultation periods, the BCE will look at all the evidence received and make final recommendations to Parliament in September 2018.
A number of public hearings are also scheduled with the nearest ones being at The Midland Hotel in Manchester on Tuesday 11 to Wednesday 12 October 2016 and Chester Hallmark Hotel from Thursday 13 – Friday 14 October 2016.
For further information on the proposals visit www.bce2018.org.uk.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Early days to draw any conclusions. Or is it?
I don't see the commonality of Macclesfield in absorbing Wilmslow. Macclesfield is a post-industrial town and whilst it is surrounded by countryside, the population outside the town centre is relatively sparse. Wilmslow is more like one of the furthest suburbs of the Manchester conurbation and I think has far more commonality with the closer suburbs and also those to the west in Hale, Bowden and Altrincham.
PS George Osborne moved from Rainow for security reasons.
http://bit.ly/1S8WPlu