The independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has begun a new review of all parliamentary constituencies in England, but it has been confirmed the Isle of Wight is still on course to have 2 MPs from 2024.
The move follows a decision by Parliament to retain the number of constituencies in the UK at 650, and to ensure that there are roughly the same number of electors in each constituency.
The BCE is tasked with making independent recommendations about where the boundaries of English constituencies should be.
The total UK electorate has been announced by the Office for National Statistics as 47,558,398, which means the number of electors in each recommended mainland English constituency must be no less than 69,724 and no more than 77,062. England will have 543 constituencies, 10 more than there are currently.
In 2018 it was suggested the Island would be split into 2 constituencies; the East Wight constituency that will contain 53,268 electors and the West Wight constituency that will contain 52,180.
The BCE now begins work on its initial proposals for new boundaries, which are expected to be published in early summer 2021. The publication of those proposals will begin an 8 week consultation period, during which the BCE will invite comments on the proposals to capture the views and knowledge of l ocal residents particularly. In early 2022, the BCE will also be travelling across England to hear from people in person.
All comments will help the Commission further refine the boundary proposals before views are sought on any revisions later in 2022. The Commission must submit its final report and recommendations to the Speaker of the House of Commons by July 2023.
Tim Bowden, 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 strict rules on greater equality of electorate size between the new constituencies – these rules and the increase in total number of constituencies in England mean that there is likely to be a large degree of change across the country.
“Once we publish our initial proposals in the summer, 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. Everyone’s views will help us recommend a well considered and practical set of new constituency boundaries in England.”
Oh great another mp on the island – just what we need!
If Covid carries on as at present there will be many fewer voters come 2024.
Interesting, though, that reatively-wealthy West Wight ends up with a much smaller constituency than working-class East Wight. Not unlike the Rotten Borough of Newtown, in fact.
Progress, eh?
The Land of Oz without the Wizard, can’t wait.
What exactly does adding another parasite with an 80K plus salary, not to mention (seemingly limitless) expenses claims do for us?
looking at the split it will be split to two different parties being elected, that will result in an island supported by 2 bickering morons. Support for the island lost in arguments between the 2 Mp’s, we will get a real BUM deal. Even if we dont agree with our elected Mp whoever they may be we are better off 1 Island 1 Voice.