Berkshire could get extra MP under new proposals
It’s part of major nationwide changes to give constituencies more equal numbers of voters
Last updated 8th Jun 2021
Berkshire looks set to get an extra MP by the next general election, under new plans just published.
It’s part of a major shake-up of parliamentary election boundaries across the country, designed to give constituencies more equal numbers of voters.
Boundaries are being redrawn so they have between 69,724 and 77,062 registered voters each. Some constituencies will be renamed alongside their boundary changes.
The proposals have been developed by the independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE). The group’s Secretary, Tim Bowden, said they are “just initial thoughts”.
What could change in Berkshire?
Among the biggest changes is the scrapping of separate Reading East and Reading West areas, to be replaced by a new, smaller Reading constituency.
Many people in Reading East will become part of the Reading constituency, however Whitley, the university, and Green Park in the south would become part of a new Earley and Woodley seat.
Reading West, currently represented by former Cabinet minister Alok Sharma, will be split between Reading and another new constituency, Mid Berkshire.
Mid Berkshire will also contain parts of the existing Newbury and Wokingham seats.
Voters north of Bracknell, in places including Binfield, Moss End, and Brockhill, will move into the Maidenhead constituency, currently represented by former Prime Minister Theresa May.
Seats in North Hampshire will remain broadly similar, however eastern parts of Basingstoke would move to North East Hampshire under the plans.
But the proposals are not final, and members of the public are being encouraged to provide feedback within the next eight weeks via the BCE website.
Mr Bowden added: “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.”
There will be another two public consultation periods next year, with final plans due in July 2023.
That means Berkshire could get its extra MP by the next general election, which under current rules is planned for May 2024.