Gloucester MP Richard Graham has urged residents to have their say on the latest Boundary Commission proposal before the consultation closes on 11 December. The latest proposal is to move Elmbridge ward to the Tewkesbury Constituency.
Richard said, “the Boundaries Commission is trying to bring down the cost of politics by reducing the numbers of MPs and equalising the size of each constituency. Some are much smaller than others. The trouble with our constituency in this exercise is that Gloucester has grown quickly, and under this plan would have to lose voters.
Their first suggestion was to propose Westgate residents vote in the Forest of Dean. We saw that one off. Then they proposed Quedgeley residents vote in Stroud: and their latest proposal is for Elmbridge residents to vote in Tewkesbury. I don’t want any of this to happen: in fact I would rather Longlevens also voted in my constituency rather than Tewkesbury. But the maths means something has to give – if any changes at all go through Parliament.
My constituents have the greatest sway in explaining to the Commission in which constituency your links are strongest and why. Where you live travel, shop, go to school, work and have a job are all relevant. I’ve delivered leaflets in Elmbridge to encourage residents to reply to the Commission’s consultation via https://www.bce2018.org.uk/ and hope lots of you do get involved now!”
The Commission will submit the last proposal to the Secretary of State in September 2018 when it will be put before Parliament.