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Final chance to comment on parliamentary constituency boundary review
30/11/2022
Comments so far indicate general support – apart from those in the west of the proposed new area
We’re into the final few days of a consultation that could see electoral boundary changes result in Banbury no longer being in the same parliamentary constituency as Bicester. It’s a move that most of our local respondents so far appear to support.
In the proposals by the Boundary Commission for England a redefined border would see Banbury, Chipping Norton and Charlbury being lumped together.
Bicester would be the main town in a new constituency, which would include Kidlington and Woodstock.
The first stage of a consultation into the changes was announced by electoral officials in June. It forms part of the biggest shake-up of parliamentary constituencies in England in decades.
The current Banbury Parliamentary constituency sits within the same area as the Cherwell District, but excludes Kidlington and surrounding areas to the south of the district.
Victoria Prentis has represented the Banbury constituency since 2015. Allowing for the various boundary changes over the years, the seat has been held by the Conservative party since 1922.
Mrs Prentis has told the Commission: “I support the draft proposals for the 2023 Boundary Review. They provide a practical remedy to the issue of significant population growth which has led to some of the Oxfordshire constituencies exceeding the maximum number of electors permitted. The proposed boundary lines seem realistic and would, I hope, cause very little disruption to residents living within them.”
The Commission has received comments from a number of respondents who are currently in the Witney constituency, objecting to being moved into the Banbury constituency.
One Banbury respondent agrees with making changes, in part, but feels the suggested boundaries could be improved. They wrote: “The proposed new boundaries make good sense to me except that Charlbury and Chadlington relate socio-geographically to Witney rather than Banbury. Conversely, Middleton Cheney and Overthorpe, which are virtually suburbs of Banbury, are excluded.”
Anyone wishing to comment can do so here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
Clare On 30/11/2022 at 2:47 pm
I live in kings sutton it is 4 miles to Banbury and 7 miles to brackley. I have an OX post code but I am with west Northamptonshire council …… crazy and can cause confusion !