Boundary review plan cutting seats from 650 to 600 is doomed, say backbenchers

TORY backbenchers believe there is “no way” plans to reduce MP numbers from 650 to 600 will go ahead because of the scale of opposition to the cut.

Downing Street said yesterday the Government remained “committed to delivering more equal and updated boundaries so our parliamentary system represents everyone equally”.

But with Labour already saying it will vote against the plans and potentially “dozens” of Tory MPS also opposed, the proposals look doomed.

Under the plans, Jeremy Corbyn’s Islington North seat would be scrapped while Boris Johnson would face a challenge to his 5,034 majority in Uxbridge and Ruislip South, with the seat losing Tory-leaning Yiewsley and gaining Labour-leaning Northolt.

The Haltemprice and Howden seat of David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, also faces being scrapped.

The plans, brought forward by the four UK boundary commissions, would see the number of seats in England reduced from 533 to 501, in Scotland 59 to 53, in Wales 40 to 29 and in Northern Ireland 18 to 17.

The plans need to be agreed by Parliament but Tory MPS believe the commissions will be forced to go back to the drawing board.

Some MPS oppose the changes as they would lose their seat while others are concerned about reducing the number of MPS at a time when the UK is losing its MEPS and as powers are returned to Westminster from Brussels.

Other critics believe the shake-up would increase the power of the Government as there would be fewer backbenchers to hold it to account. Some MPS fear an impact on their majorities.

One Tory MP said: “If it is a free vote, there is no way it will go through.”

Another said: “I can’t see this going anywhere.”

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The final proposals will be debated and there will be a vote in both houses in due course in the usual way.”