The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has launched another consultation on changes to constituency boundaries for the Isle of Wight.
The Boundary Review has been extensively reported since 2011 by News OnTheWight, and whilst Government are seeking to reduce the number of MPs across the country, here on the Isle of Wight there are plans to split the constituency between two MPs.
The latest consultation allows residents to have their say, but also to read comments left in previous consultations.
Peace: Keep Ventnor in the East
They include objections from the likes of Cllr Gary Peace (Con), the Isle of Wight Council member for Ventnor and St Lawrence electoral division, who says,
“I do not support the Boundary Commission’s proposal to place Ventnor (along with Wroxall) into the proposed West Isle of Wight constituency. Whilst Ventnor very much has its own distinct identity, it is the most southern in a grouping of seaside towns which stretch along the south-eastern coast of the Island.
“It is clearly part of East Wight and would sit much more comfortably within an East constituency, particularly due to having similar characteristics and issues to its neighbouring seaside towns.”
Adjust the split
Member of the public, Sarah Grattage, suggests,
“I would suggest that the wards of East Cowes, Osborne, and Fairlee and Whippingham be transferred from the Isle of Wight East seat to the Isle of Wight West seat- and conversely, for the wards of Newchurch, Havenstreet, and Ashey; Wroxall, Lowtherville, and Bonchurch; and Ventnor and St Lawrence to be transferred from the Isle of Wight West seat to the Isle of Wight East one.”
Keep as one
Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council say they would prefer the constituency to be kept as one, not two seats.
There several other commenters concurring with that view.
Other suggestions
Others felt a North/South divide would be more appropriate.
More than one person suggested the names of each constituency should be simply ‘West Wight’ and ‘East Wight’, rather than ‘West Isle of Wight CC’ and ‘East Isle of Wight CC’.
How to see the plans and comment
You can view the initially proposed constituency boundaries for your area and provide views on them by visiting the consultation Website.
Responses can also be sent in by letter, email or provided in person at a public hearing. None are taking place on the Island – here’s why.
Book a 10 minute slot to speak at the Portsmouth on the Boundary Commission Website.
Bowden: Important constituencies reflect your local community
Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, Tim Bowden, said,
“The 2023 Boundary Review will rebalance the number of electors represented by each MP. It’s important that the constituencies we shape reflect your local community as best as possible.
“We received over 34,000 responses during our first consultation last year which are available online for the public to read and comment on. We’re inviting more people to have their say in our current secondary consultation, which is open now until 4th April.
“Help us to get our proposals right for your area by telling us your views via the Website, or at a public hearing in your region. We’re looking forward to hearing your feedback, and we take every response into account during our review of constituency boundaries.”
