The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has published its initial proposals for new constituency boundaries. This would see the current Rutland and Melton constituency scrapped and a new one formed in the shape of Melton & Syston.
The 2023 Review of Parliamentary constituencies was formally launched in January this year.
The Commission is required to ensure that the number of electors in each constituency is more equal; in doing so, the number of constituencies in England will increase from 533 to 543. The Commission is undertaking an independent review of all constituency boundaries in England and will present our final recommendations to Parliament by July 2023.
A report published today states: "Publication of the initial proposals today is the first time people get to see what the map of new constituencies might look like. The rules that the Commission work to are such that wide scale change is inevitable. Under the proposals announced today, just under 10% of the existing 533 English constituencies remain unchanged."
The new plans would see Melton fall under a new constituency of Melton & Syston with an electorate of around 74,000 and include villages of Asfordby, Bottesford, Croxton Kerrial, East Goscote and Frisby-On-The-Wreake and many more.
The proposed new constituency for Melton & Syston. Photo: Boundary Commission For England.
Rutland would break away from it's current form of Rutland & Melton and be included in a new proposed constituency of Rutland & Stamford. This would include villages of Barleythorpe, Cottesmore, Langham and more.
How the Rutland & Stamford patch might look. Photo: BCE.
The BCE invite the public to view and provide feedback on the proposed boundaries as part of an eight-week consultation process.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit www.bcereviews.org.uk to view maps showing the proposed new boundaries and provide feedback before the consultation closes on 2 August 2021.
People can comment on anything from where the proposed new boundary lines are to the names of the constituencies. There will be a further two rounds of consultation in 2022.
Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton said: "Like residents, I will be taking time to study the proposals. Rutland, Melton, the Vale and our Harborough villages are uniquely wonderful, and any boundary changes must protect and enhance services, representation and support for our residents. I am committed to our communities as your representative in Parliament and continue to work as hard as I can to deliver the very best for all of us."
MP for Rutland and Melton, Alicia Kearns MP. Photo: Alicia Kearns.
Following the conclusion of all three consultation periods, the Commission will look at all the evidence received before forming its final recommendations.
Tim Bowden, Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said: “We consider all feedback received during the consultation process, and it is your local knowledge that helps us to shape constituencies that best reflect your local area. It is easy to get involved – view our proposals and have your say through our online consultation portal – www.bcereviews.org.uk ”
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