Weymouth divided in plans to reshape electoral boundaries
Chickerell and Upwey could be moving across the border.
Last updated 9th Jun 2021
New plans to rebalance Dorset's electoral boundaries could divide parts of Weymouth.
Under the 2023 review, Chickerell would be moved into South Dorset's voting constituency, where as Upwey and Broadwey would become part of West Dorset.
Other changes include moving Tincleton into West Dorset, and large parts of the areas north of Dorchester moving to North Dorset's constituency.
The 2023 Review of Parliamentary constituencies was formally launched in January this year. The Boundary Commission for England is required to ensure that the number of electors in each constituency is more equal; in doing so, the number of constituencies in England will increase from 533 to 543.
Dorset will keep it's 8 constituencies, but some of them will be changing.
Legal requirements state each constituency must have an electorate between 69,724 and 77,062.
Figures from March last year show West Dorset's electorate numbered 81,091. Proposals would bring that down to 75,269. Meanwhile, South Dorset's electorate stands at 69,211. The proposals would balance that out to 74,356.
A report by the BCE said:
"The existing West Dorset constituency, with an electorate of 81,091, is above the permitted electorate range. In our proposed configuration, it would not be possible to include both the Winterborne & Broadmayne, and Chickerell wards in the West Dorset constituency.
"We therefore propose that the Chickerell ward from the existing West Dorset constituency be exchanged for the Upwey & Broadwey ward from the existing South Dorset constituency."
Tim Bowden, Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said:
“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.
"It is easy to get involved – view our proposals and have your say through our online consultation portal – www.bcereviews.org.uk ”