NEWS Have
SEnine
Eltham Parliamentary Constituency set to disappear?
you been keeping an eye on the changes proposed
by the Boundary Commission for the Eltham constituency which dictates who is our local MP to represent us at Westminster?
The Boundary Commission has been tasked with reducing the number of constituencies from 533 to 502 with each no smaller than 72810 or larger than 80473 (Electoral quota of 76641 + or - 5%).
As indicated on the map (right), in the initial proposal, Eltham is to basically remain as is with an increase in its current electorate from 63,000 to 79,000 with the addition of Blackfen & Lamorbely (8k) and Falconwood and Welling (8k).
Eltham (24, below) is surrounded. by and has borders with six constituencies. They are Old Bexley & Sidcup which under the proposals will become Bexleyheath & Sidcup (6), Erith & Thamesmead would become Erith (27), Greenwich & Woolwich would become Woolwich (68), Lewisham & Deptford would become Deptford & Greenwich (20), Lewisham East would become Lewisham & Catford (42) and fi nally Bromley Chislehurst (9) while also having a border change would retain its name. Of course, these are rough comparisons as all are having boundary changes. When you look at these changes on the
larger overall map (below left), they seem to make perfect sense and while it must have been a very diffi cult task, the commission seem to have achieved its goal.
It all looks straightforward. H o we ve r , SEnine has been told that not everyone is happy, those
constituencies that surround Eltham could be plotting to make a grab for wards in an eff ort to shore up their political position.
Unlikely as it may be that Eltham constituency would be totally split up, there has been a proposal put forward by Nick Raynsford (MP for Greenwich & Woolwich) to take Kidbrooke / Hornfair (9408) out of the Eltham constituency and put it into Woolwich, and to balance the books, transfer Plumstead (9467) and Glyndon (10054) to the Eltham Constituency. This would leave Eltham with 72772 close enough to the 72810 threshold some argue.
Why?
Looking into the reasoning of this policy seems to be based on pragmatic issues, however one cannot wonder if there is political manoeuvring in place.
What ever the outcome the Eltham constituency is best served by a MP that
4
does not have to wear too many 'council hats'
It is worth taking an interest in and expressing your views about what you would like, this can be done in person, by mail, by E-mail or on the internet.
Currently we are at Stage two, Consultation on Initial Proposals and public hearings were to be held on Monday 24th October and Tuesday 25th October; too late for us to report on here. But be assured if there are any signifi cant changes, especially any that might lead to the end of Eltham as a parliamentary constituency we will let you know. Stage two fi nishes on December 5th 2011.
Following will be stage three - consultation on representations received. Representations will be published in spring 2012 and at this time further written representations can be made.
More information is available from
www.consultation. boundarycommissionforengland.
independent.gov.uk,
You can also visit the SEnine web site to view larger versions of the maps published here and a copy of the Raynsford proposal.
SEnine ... listening to your views
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