The Boundary Commission for Scotland this week opened its 8-week public consultation on their Initial Proposals for the 2023 Review of UK Parliament constituencies.
Scotland has been allocated 57 constituencies for the 2023 Review, two fewer than at present. England has been allocated 543 (+10), Northern Ireland 18 (no change) and Wales 32 (-8).
Each constituency must contain between 69,724 and 77,062 Parliamentary electors, except the ‘protected’ constituencies of Na h-Eileanan an Iar (the Western Isles) and Orkney and Shetland.
Kenneth Gibson MSP and members of the public raised objections to previous plans, which would have led to Cunninghame North being split over three Westminster constituencies. Current plans propose no changes to the North Ayrshire and Arran constituency.
In early 2022, the Boundary Commission for Scotland will publish all of the comments received during the initial consultation, issue a call for further comments and hold public hearings. They aim to publish revised proposals for consultation in late 2022 and final recommendations before 1 July 2023.
Kenneth said:
“An independence referendum and resounding ‘Yes’ will hopefully make this a redundant exercise. However, as long as Scotland remains in the UK we need SNP MPs fighting our corner.”
Wherever you live in Scotland, you can find your proposed constituency and make your views known by Thursday 09 December via:
ENDS