Many constituents have recently contacted me about the Boundary Commission for England’s proposals for parliamentary constituencies which have been put forward as part of a periodic review to ensure the average number of voters in each of England’s constituencies remains consistent.
As part of this process, the Commission has decided that the size of the electorate in each constituency must be within five per cent (above or below) 73,393 voters. While it makes sense to try to make each constituency more equitable in terms of size, the rigidity in which these rules are being applied will see many constituencies broken up and redesigned, including Bromley and Chislehurst.
I should stress, these are only initial proposals and are subject to three rounds of public consultation, the first of which closes at midnight on Monday. You can view the proposals in full, and submit any comments, here:
https://www.bcereviews.org.uk/?fbclid=IwAR3jvln49t6qHBd3c3XVTdF6eFxmIkdr707jBiM6hoUaPp6NodFgoMB80sg
Members of Parliament have no involvement in formulating these proposals nor do we get to vote on them. While we can submit our own comments, either in support or objection, these are not, quite rightly, treated differently or given any greater consideration than a submission from a member of the public. I have highlighted my own serious concerns to the Commission (please see attachment) and have posted the below video on social media to raise awareness of the proposals:
I also outlined my fear about some of the risks this process poses in greater detail in the attached article for The Municipal Journal last month. I hope it sets out my views clearly.
Attachments
AttachmentSize
Response to Boundary Commission proposals - Jul 2021.pdf37.98 KB
MJ article - Boundary Commission proposals - Jun 2021.pdf73.76 KB
