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Banbury and Chipping Norton together, but Bicester goes it alone in proposed boundary changes
08/06/2021
Proposals reveal electoral boundary changes in the biggest shake-up in decades
Under proposed electoral boundary changes just announced Banbury would no longer be in the same parliamentary constituency as Bicester, but would be part of the same area as Chipping Norton.
Bicester would become part of its own new constituency, including Kidlington and Fringford and the Heyfords, amongst others.
The changes announced by electoral officials are part of the biggest shake-up of parliamentary constituencies in England in decades.
The wards proposed to be included in the new Banbury Constituency are Adderbury, Bloxham and Bodicote; Banbury Cross and Neithrop; Banbury Grimsbury and Hightown; Banbury Hardwick; Banbury Ruscote; Banbury Calthorpe and Easington; Chadlington and Churchill; Charlbury and Finstock; Chipping Norton; Cropredy, Sibfords and Wroxton; Deddington; Kingham, Rollright and Enstone; and the Bartons.
The current Banbury Parliament constituency sits within the same area as the Cherwell District, excluding Kidlington and surrounding areas to the south of the district. The most recent boundary changes in 2010 saw the Banbury constituency lose Kirtlington and Otmoor when they were transferred to the Henley constituency.
The plans are the latest stage in a long running attempt to update constituency boundaries which has been underway for a decade. Although the new map is theoretically due to be completed by 2023 it is likely that there will be plenty of political wrangling before then.
The current Banbury constituency has been represented by Victoria Prentis since 2015. Allowing for the various boundary changes over the years, the seat has been held by the Conservative party since 1922.
Mrs Prentis told Banbury FM: “It has been clear for some time now that the Banbury constituency would need to be looked at carefully during the next round of boundary reform given the level of growth across North Oxfordshire. With a population of over 125,000 and an electorate of over 90,000, it is one of the largest Parliamentary constituencies in the UK.
“While the decision to form a new Bicester constituency does not come as a surprise, it is important to remember that these proposals have been put forward by the independent Boundary Commission. They will be subject to lengthy and detailed consultation in the weeks and months ahead. No decisions have been made.
I would encourage all those who wish to have their say to do so via the Boundary Commission’s website.”
Chipping Norton is currently part of the Witney constituency, represented until 2016 by former Prime Minister David Cameron. Conservative Robert Courts currently holds the seat for the Conservatives.
The public’s opinion on the proposals is now being sought. An eight week consultation period offers people the chance to have their say. The consultation period closes on 2 August 2021. A spokesperson said: “We will be particularly interested to hear from people about the extent to which the proposals reflect the local ties in the area, and if people disagree with our proposals, how they think they should be amended.”
Comments can be submitted here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
Les Kelland On 09/06/2021 at 10:01 am
1. People need reassurance in respect of any affect on infrastructure. (E.g. hospitals, social care, etc.)
2. What is happening about the drive to reduce Parliamentary seats? Has this been forgotten?