Boundaries review in limbo again
A review of the boundaries of Kent’s parliamentary seats is in limbo yet again following the decision by Theresa May to hold a snap election.
The review had led to a proposal to abolish the Faversham and Mid Kent seat held by the Conservative MP Helen Whately. It also outlined changes to other Kent seats, including a more compact Maidstone and the Weald constituency, where Helen Grant is MP, and realignments affecting Tonbridge and Malling, Chatham and Aylesford and Tunbridge Wells.
The shake-up was driven by a pledge by former Prime Minister David Cameron to curb the number of MPs to cut costs and to even out the number of voters in each seat.
England was earmarked to have 30 fewer MPs.
But the proposals could be ripped up by the new government taking control, leading to further uncertainty about a reorganisation which began in 2011.
A final decision was due next year, with changes taking effect at what had been expected to be an election in 2020.
But if the proposals are agreed, their implementation would now take effect in 2022.
Under the review, boundaries were to be redrawn so each MP represents a constituency of about 76,641. The size of the electorate was not to be 5% above or below that.
Helen Whately would not be drawn on what should happen, but did tell the boundary commission last year larger constituencies could make it harder for an MP to represent all communities and interests effectively.