WORCESTERSHIRE’S constituencies could change but not disappear, according to new independent analysis of a major boundary review.
We reported in September last year how researched commissioned by the Electoral Reform Society predicted one Worcestershire MP could be lost as boundaries were redrawn once the number of MPs is reduced by 50 in a bid to reduce the disparities between the size of seats.
The formal process of dividing up the UK is not due to be completed by the four Boundary Commissions representing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland until September but political research organisation Democratic Audit has produced a map based on the criteria set down for the official review.
While its findings suggest the Worcester, Wyre Forest and Redditch seats would stay the same, the West Worcestershire seat could be reorganised to focus on Malvern and Ledbury while the Mid-Worcestershire seat would concentrate on the towns and villages in the south of the county.
In turn Bromsgrove’s constituency would have to stretch south to Droitwich.
Nationally, the boundary changes could potentially hit all parties – the map suggests 16 Conservative, 17 Labour and 14 Lib Dem seats could be lost – raising the prospect that David Cameron could face a revolt from Tory backbenchers as well as Lib Dems on the boundary review secured as part of the deal for the referendum on voting reform.
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