Winsford could be split with two MPs under proposed boundary shake-up

A big shake up of parliamentary constituencies has been announced by the Boundary Commission for England.

Boundaries have been redesigned to ensure that each constituency has roughly the same number of voters.

Under the proposals, which could take effect from 2023, the constituency of Weaver Vale, currently held by Labour’s Mike Amesbury, would disappear.

This marginal seat would be divided into two new seats. One would include Frodsham, Helsby and Runcorn.

A second new constituency of Northwich would be created to include the Dene, Gravel, Swanlow and Wharton wards of Winsford.

However, the Over and Verdin wards of Winsford, which cover a large part of the town, would be moved into a new constituency called South Cheshire.

This new seat includes parts of Chester.

The seat of Eddisbury, currently held by Conservative Edward Timpson, would also be abolished and replaced by the new Northwich and South Cheshire constituencies.

A spokesman for MP Edward Timpson CBE MP said:"Edward is delighted that part of Winsford will remain in the proposed constituency.

"Winsford and its residents are—and will remain—one of his top priorities in Parliament, and it is to the benefit of the town to have two voices in the House of Commons rather than one."

Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury said: “These are the initial proposals by the independent Boundary Commission for England.

“There will now be an opportunity for key stakeholders and residents to have their say via a consultation.

“This will include regional public-facing meetings early next year organised by the commission.

“The Boundary Commission’s stated aim is to make Parliament fairer by ensuring each MP represents a roughly similar number of voters.

“The proposals will be finalised in 2023 and are due to be made into law in the latter part of that year.”

Labour mayor of Winsford Cllr Nathan Pardoe said: “Winsford needs a single MP to speak up for it with a strong voice.

“It’s no good for the future of our town or for our identity to split us between two constituencies.

Winsford mayor Cllr Nathan Pardoe

“This doesn’t make sense. You’ve got people living minutes apart in Winsford who will be in different constituencies, those in Over and Verdin will be in the same constituency as residents who overlook Chester Racecourse.

“I will be working with colleagues to put forward viable alternative proposals which keep Winsford whole.

“I hope representatives from all parties support alternative plans which keep our community together.”

Cheshire West and Chester Conservative Cllr Mike Baynham said: “This proposal is disappointing as it splits Winsford between two MPs.

“I hope we can retain the whole of Winsford within a single parliamentary constituency.”

Northwich mayor Cllr Sam Naylor and CWAC Cllr Mike Bayhham

Labour mayor of Northwich Cllr Sam Naylor said: “It seems silly that we can’t come up with a sensible solution where a constituency reflects the identity of a community. We never get a perfect solution.

“I think the ideal constituency would be Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich.

“We share a lot and have traditional strengths and we could call it Mid Cheshire. Regardless of what transpires, I will be fighting for a Labour MP.”

Under the proposals, Middlewich remains in Congleton constituency, but boundary lines in Holmes Chapel will move to Northwich.

Knutsford, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Mobberley, Chelford, Dene Valley and High Legh stay in Tatton but areas including Lower Whitley and Great Budworth will be absorbed into Northwich.

Tatton MP Esther McVey said: ‘At this stage, the proposals by the Boundary Commission are just their first draft.

“There is now a formal consultation underway, open to anyone who wants to express a view.

Tatton MP Esther McVey

“I would therefore encourage any of my constituents who have a strong opinion to contribute to that consultation.”

Commission secretary Tim Bowden said: “We want to hear the views of the public to ensure that we get the new boundaries for parliamentary constituencies right.”.

The Boundary Commission stresses the proposals are provisional and are now open for public consultation until August 2.

Final recommendations are due by July 1,2023, after which the government has four months to implement the plans.

If approved they will come into effect later that year.