The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) yesterday published their initial proposals for new boundaries of all Parliamentary constituencies in England. The main aim is to make constituencies about equal in voter numbers, to ensure people's votes count equally and to reflect population changes across the whole nation.
I am pleased that these proposals have left the Newcastle-under-Lyme seat largely unchanged - especially as we are one of the longest-standing constituencies in England, having been returning Members of Parliament since 1354.
At present, the seat has slightly too few voters, so the Boundary Commission have proposed an expansion to take in Madeley, whose current MP is Sir Bill Cash. Everything else remains the same, so no-one would be moved out of the Newcastle-under-Lyme seat.
The BCE are holding a consultation on their initial proposals for an eight-week period. This is so everyone, including individual residents, can have their say on helping shape the new constituencies. Responses will not be published until early 2022 before a second six-week consultation is heard.
If you would like to contribute, you can let the BCE know what you think via the consultation portal at www.bcereviews.org.uk. You can also follow the BCE on Twitter @BCEReviews or on Facebook at Boundary Commission for England.