2023 Review launched
Following publication of the UK’s electorate figures earlier today by the Office for National Statistics, the BCE has now formally begun a new review of all parliamentary constituencies in England.
The relevant total UK electorate has been announced by the Office for National Statistics as 47,558,398. Application of the statutory distribution formula means that:
- England will be allocated 543 constituencies for the new review (ten more than there are currently). The Commission has also decided to apply the same distribution formula to determine how those constituencies will be distributed among the nine English regions; and
- Each constituency that we recommend must contain no less than 69,724 Parliamentary electors, and no more than 77,062 (except two ‘protected’ constituencies for the Isle of Wight).
The BCE now begins work on its initial proposals for new boundaries, which are expected to be published in early summer 2021. The publication of those proposals will begin an eight week consultation period, during which the BCE will invite comments on the proposals to capture the views and knowledge of local residents particularly. In early 2022, the BCE will also be travelling across England to hear from people in person. All comments will help the Commission further refine the boundary proposals before views are sought on any revisions later in 2022. The Commission must submit its final report and recommendations to the Speaker of the House of Commons by July 2023.
Further information can be found in the main ‘2023 Review’ section of our website.
Tim Bowden, Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England said:
“Today marks the start of our work to review the constituency boundaries in England. Parliament has set strict rules on greater equality of electorate size between the new constituencies - these rules and the increase in total number of constituencies in England mean that there is likely to be a large degree of change across the country.“
Once we publish our initial proposals in the summer, we will need the help of residents in all regions to ensure that our proposals take account of local ties and best reflect the geography on the ground. Everyone’s views will help us recommend a well considered and practical set of new constituency boundaries in England.”