Plans to move Streethay and Whittington into the Tamworth constituency have been branded “nonsense” by Lichfield’s MP.
Michael Fabricant’s comments come after it was revealed Streethay and Whittington will move from his constituency into neighbouring Tamworth if the Boundary Commission for England’s plans are approved.
The changes come as part of a move to even out the number of voters in each area, as well as reducing the overall number of MPs.
Mr Fabricant says that such changes are needed, but has warned historic local connections should not be ignored.
“I welcome the principle of these changes,” he said. “It is wrong that areas like Scotland and London are over-represented in Parliament. Each MP should represent roughly the same number of people.
“I also agree with the aim to reduce the number of MPs from 650 down to 600.
“However, I do not agree with the Boundary Commission’s plans to put Streethay and Whittington into the Tamworth constituency. For all intents and purposes Streethay is a part of Lichfield and for a corner to be sliced off, including the railway station, and be put in Tamworth is a nonsense.
“I also believe that Whittington looks towards Lichfield and not Tamworth and I for one enjoy the connection between the barracks, the historic home of the Staffordshire Regiment, and Lichfield.
“And I have forged strong working relations with Whittington over various issues including the fight against HS2 and support of the St Giles Hospice.
“I do not want to lose Streethay and Whittington and if voters feel the same way about remaining in the Lichfield constituency, I urge them to contact the Boundary Commission by December 5.”
People can have their say by visiting the consultation website.
“The fight against HS2”
Oh come on, lip-service granted by Tory leadership, without the vote against you’d have lost any credibility you had remaining.
Reduce MP’s from 650 to 600, would anyone notice? The aggregate saving in office space, EXPENSES and wages might be welcome.
So if he agrees that the Lichfield constituency needs to lose people, which bits is he prepared to lose?
Can’t we have a go at looking after ourselves for a bit?
The MP isn’t fighting our corner, despite what he claims.