Different change is planned for our MPs

The latest proposals, which were released on Tuesday following a public consultation, will mean that all six Bedfordshire constituencies will remain.

The original scheme, laid out in September last year, had included scrapping Mid Beds, a seat currently held by Conservative MP Nadine Dorries. However it is now proposed that her seat is kept, with some modifications.

Proposed changes to Parliamentary seats have been put forward by the Boundary Commission for England, an independent public body.

The abolition of the Mid Beds seat was opposed by Central Beds Council, which put forward its own counter-proposal. The council said at the time that the proposals did not “recognise the natural communities in Bedfordshire.”

The council’s objections included the fact that its residents would be represented by six different MPs, and the council’s rural character.

The Mid Beds seat will be re-named Mid Bedfordshire and Harpenden.

Under the previous proposals Potton, Stotfold and Arlesey would have moved into the Letchworth constituency, Langford, Henlow, Shefford and Shillington would have moved into the Hitchin ward and Gamlingay would have moved into the St Neots ward.

Nationwide, the shake-up of Parliamentary boundaries would see the number of MPs reduced from 650 to 600, and the size of constituencies would be made more even.

When and if any changes will be introduced is currently uncertain. Labour wants the plans scrapped, while Lib Dems want changes delayed until after the next general election.

To comment on the proposals visit http://consultation.

boundarycommissionfor

england.independent.gov.uk

Do you prefer the new proposals? Email [email protected]