Too much work to do to cut MP numbers, says Tory
A DECISION to slash the number of MPs has been derided by a senior Tory who claimed it would cause disruption, increase workloads and increase Government patronage.
Bernard Jenkin, who chairs the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, told MPs the Government had become “impaled” on its commitment to cut the number of members from 650 to 600.
The Harwich and North Essex MP’s comments came during a debate on the Parliamentary Constituencies (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to preserve the current numbers in the Commons.
It received an unopposed second reading and will undergo further scrutiny at a later date, but faces a battle to clear the necessary parliamentary hurdles to become law.
A similar proposal moved in the last parliament by thenLabour MP Pat Glass found its progress frustrated by the Government.
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Jenkin said: “I do regret my party has become impaled on this commitment to reduce the number of MPs in the House of Commons because I do not see colleagues from any part of the House hanging around without enough to do.
“I also regret all the more that this reduction will result in a de facto increase in Government patronage relative to the size of the House. If we could have a fresh boundary review and keep 650 MPs and get it done in good time for the 2022 General Election I would hazard a guess that the majority in this House would settle for that.
“It would help the House to continue to meet the charge of our workload, it would be less disruptive and at least not covertly increase the patronage of governments in this House.”
The final recommendations of the 2018 boundary review, which is currently under way, are due to be implemented at the next General Election pending agreement by both Houses of Parliament.