Burnham-On-Sea MP James Heappey has this week welcomed new Boundary Commission proposals to redraw the political map.
Under the planned constituency boundary changes, the Wells constituency – which includes Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge – would be redrawn.
Mr Heappey said: “I welcome the principle of more even constituency sizes as it is unfair that some MPs have 20,000 fewer constituents than others.”
“However, I would be hugely sad to lose Shepton Mallet and the villages in the Mendip Hills.”
“We are still far from certain this will happen but, no matter what I will continue to proudly serve these communities until, and if, these proposals are enacted.”
The changes to constituencies across the South West are on display here and residents have until 11th December 2017 to provide any feedback.
The proposed constituency boundaries in England, Scotland and Wales have been drawn up on the basis the total number of MPs will be cut from 650 to 600.
Parliament approved the principle of reducing the size of the Commons in 2011, intended as a cost-saving measure in the wake of the expenses scandal.
But it is uncertain whether the Commons will end up backing the detailed plans. If they do so, the proposed new constituencies will take effect in 2022, the scheduled date of the next election.
