The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has published its initial proposals for new constituency boundaries, which would see the Isle of Wight represented in Westminster by 2 Members of Parliament.
Islanders are now able to view and provide feedback on the proposed constituencies as part of an 8-week consultation process.
The plans revealed today (Tuesday) show that the Isle of Wight could be oddly split, with those living on Fairlee Road being represented by a completely different MP to the rest of Newport, for example. Another example is the village of Havenstreet having a different MP to surrounding locations such as Ryde and Wootton.
The proposed split means that the 2 different MPs would represent completely different types of communities, with the ‘West Wight’ MP responsible for three-quarters of the Isle of Wight with a mix of built-up and rural areas. The East Wight MP would predominantly have a constituency of built-up areas beside the seaside.
BCE say that while the legislation does not state that the 2 constituencies should have similar-sized electorates, they have considered that it would be in accordance with the spirit of the legislation to divide the Island broadly equally in terms of electorate, without neglecting community ties. They do say, however, that they would consider deviating from this principle if representations suggest there is a particular strength of feeling that they should do so.
Under the current proposal, the East Isle of Wight constituency would have an electorate of 57,004, whilst the West Isle of Wight constituency would have 54,712.
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 final recommendations to Parliament by July 2023.
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 2nd 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 2 rounds of consultation in 2022. Following the conclusion of all 3 consultation periods, the Commission will look at all the evidence received and form its final recommendations.
Tim Bowden, Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said:
“Today’s proposals mark the first time people get to see what the new map of Parliamentary constituencies might look like. But they are just the Commission’s initial thoughts. Help us draw the line to make the number of electors in each Parliamentary constituency more equal. Each constituency we recommend is required by law to contain between 69,724 and 77,062 electors, meaning there will be significant change to current boundaries. We want to hear the views of the public to ensure that we get the new boundaries for Parliamentary constituencies right.
“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 on our online consultation portal – www.bcereviews.org.uk.”
Vix Lowthion, Isle of Wight Green Party Chair, has said:
“We welcome these proposals to double the number of MPs for the Isle of Wight and get stronger, louder and more effective representation for Islanders. They deserve it!
“The local Green Party believes that this West/ East proposed split has thrown up two good constituencies for the Green Party on the Isle of Wight. Bringing the Bay, Ryde, Wootton and East Cowes together in a coastal corridor demonstrates an additional need for tackling the climate emergency, as well as a new MP for the Island who will really focus on regeneration in the area and create jobs for islanders. The proposal for a more rural West constituency which would include Cowes, Newport and the West Wight plus Niton, Ventnor and South Wight include areas which already have successfully elected Green Party town, parish, community and County Councillors.
“It’s about time that the residents of the Isle of Wight are awarded a fair number of MPs for our population size. But with rumours of another early General Election it is even more important that Westminister makes a final decision as soon as possible.”
So, we would have two self serving individuals trying to outdo each other and gain favour with their masters on the mainland… well they say two heads are better than one, and this rather blows that idea out of the water! Never boring here is it?
What a ridiculous idea, so we will have 2 MP’s claiming expenses and milking the Island, no thanks, Seely was enough. Not exactly an even split either is it, looks like poorer areas will have to mingle with bembridge etc, and of course the snobby side will be left alone. Bad idea 100%
Why are you lot all so f’n thick for? To get brownie points off each other.the island needs all the help it can get! We don’t pay locally for our MP or MP’s, It is not calculated in our CX tax,it is payed through government, and imagine one Tory and one labour, twice the clout in parliament! Can’t be no worse than it is now, stop acting like sheep and start to think for yourself!
“looks like poorer area’s will have to mingle with bembridge ect,and of course the snobby side will be left alone” wtf are you on about,we are not talking about local parish councillor’s,we are demanding two members of parliament to properly represent this great island of ours!!!
The one we have can’t do it, so what makes you think 2 will be any better, doh!
Are you slightly backward or am I missing something? 2 are better than 1 ! , In your opinion we may have a crap MP, but what about the future! Cut your nose to spite your face, indeed my friend you and a lot of others are blooming stupid, It’s like getting 2 Xmas gifts,opening one and not likening it, so I will throw the other unwrapped gift away!!!!
That is so daft that it’s actually funny. Expensive exercise to create and maintain AND total shambles overall.
Better still why not spend more money and have a MP for each town…..
Then every Saturday we can have some entertainment and stick them in a ring to fight it out……
Why on earth should we pay for two MPs ,don’t we cough up enough already ….
Waste of time effort and energy …..
Let’s see what next year’s council tax is …..
Suggest Squiggley Wight and West Wight.
Didn’t we have two MPs a while ago until one was abolished?
So that meens 2 MPs doing not alot of anything
They’ve been talking about it for so long it’ll be a surprise if it happens.
The thought of a Green MP for the Island fills me with horror.
Why? Horror seems a rather extreme reaction!
What a load of rubbish, 1/2 a sausage seeley is bad enough without another.
Perhaps he could share his sausage !!!!!
Could be interesting !
Might get important issues resolved.
I welcome this move.
Oh, so that’s what they are doing with the other half of the sausage.
The we have the posh bit and the chav bit -interesting!