Ambitious plans to shake up the political map of Cumbria have been revealed and people are urged to have their say on the proposed changes to constituency boundaries.
The Boundary Commission for England’s draft proposal would see one of its current seats split, parts of Lancashire introduced into Cumbrian constituencies and Windermere would join Whitehaven in a new constituency.
The proposals are not final and people are urged to submit their opinions on the changes in the next eight weeks.
A final report and recommendations will be submitted to the speaker of the House of Commons in June 2023.
Currently, the county has six constituencies:
- Barrow and Furness, sitting MP Simon Fell (Conservative) since 2019.
- Carlisle, sitting MP John Stevenson (Conservative) since 2010.
- Copeland, sitting MP Trudy Harrison (Conservative) since 2017.
- Penrith and the Border, sitting MP Neil Hudson (Conservative) since 2019.
- Westmorland and Lonsdale, sitting MP Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat) since 2005.
- Workington, sitting MP Mark Jenkinson (Conservative) since 2019
The proposed new constituencies would be:
- Barrow and Furness
- Carlisle
- Copeland and the Western Lakes
- Morecambe and South Lakeland
- Westmorland and Eden
- Workington
Under the proposals, Westmorland and Lonsdale split between four new constituencies.
Tim Farron tweeted today: “Only someone who’s never been to Cumbria would put Windermere in with Whitehaven and Kirkby Lonsdale in with Alston.”
This would mean that the offices of Penrith and the Border’s Conservative MP, Neil Hudson, and Tim Farron would both be in the same constituency.
Another change would see areas surrounding Sizergh, Milnthorpe and Crooklands join with areas of Lancaster to form Morecambe and South Lakeland.
Carlisle would incorporate Brampton which is currently in Penrith and the Border.
Whitehaven and Keswick would be partnered with Ambleside, Windermere and Millom as part of Copeland and the Western Lakes.
Barrow and Furness would also include Grange-over-Sands but lose areas to the north.
Workington would gain Wigton and Embleton and Dalston but lose areas between Keswick and Bassenthwaite.
While there will be 10 extra seats in England under the new proposal, the North West is set to lose two MPs.
Tim Bowden, secretary to the boundary commission for England, said: “We consider all feedback received during the consultation process, and it is your local knowledge that helps us to shape constituencies that best reflect your local area.
“It is easy to get involved – view our proposals and have your say through our online consultation portal”
People can comment on anything from where the proposed new boundary lines are to the names of the constituencies.
To have your say on the boundary changes, visit www.bcereviews.org.uk
