South East could lose two MPs in boundary review

The South East could lose two MPs in a review of constituency boundaries, it was revealed today (Wednesday February 24).
The independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has today begun redrawing the map of parliamentary constituency boundaries in England. SUS-160224-151801001The independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has today begun redrawing the map of parliamentary constituency boundaries in England. SUS-160224-151801001
The independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has today begun redrawing the map of parliamentary constituency boundaries in England. SUS-160224-151801001

The independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has today begun redrawing the map of parliamentary constituency boundaries in England as it looks to reduce the number of MPs in the House of Commons from 650 to 600.

Under the initial figures England would have 32 fewer MPs and the South East could potentially lose two.

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The BCE will now work on draft proposals which are expected to be published in September 2016 for a 12-week public consultation.

Sam Hartley, secretary to the Boundary Commission for England,said: “Today marks the start of our work to review the constituency boundaries in England.

Parliament has set us strict rules on reducing the number of constituencies and bringing greater equality of electorate size between the new constituencies ­ these new rules mean that there is likely to be a large degree of change across the country.

“Once we publish our initial proposals in the autumn, we will need the help of residents in all regions to ensure that our proposals take account of local ties and best reflect the geography on the ground.

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“Everyone’s views will help us recommend a well­considered and practical set of constituency boundaries in England.”

The review will take place over two and a half years to ensure that the recommendations made are thorough and take public views into account. Final recommendations must be submitted to the Parliament in September 2018 to allow changes to come into effect at the 2020 general election.

The South East region excludes London and the Isle of Wight.

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