POLL: They have not listened to the sense and history of Ilford – MP on plans to change electoral boundaries

Amanda Nunn Thursday, October 18, 2012
11:28 AM

“I am completely opposed to it” was one MPs verdict after seeing the plans to change the constituency boundaries in Redbridge.

The Boundary Commission published its revised plans for changing the borders on Tuesday, and they include abolishing Ilford South.

Mike Gapes, Labour MP for Ilford South, said: “I’m obviously disappointed that they have not listened to the sense and logic and history of Ilford. I am completely opposed to it.”

Revisions

Under the plans, Ilford South would be split into four with sections going to Ilford North, a new Wanstead and Woodford constituency, East Ham, and Barking and Dagenham.

Comments on the revisions are being accepted until December 10 and the final recommendations will be published by October 2013.

Mr Gapes said: “I don’t think [the changes] will happen because of the division within the government. If the Liberal Democrats do as they have said, they are not going to support them going through.”

Clementswood and Loxford will come under a new East Ham and Loxford constituency.

While some changes have been made to the Newham wards included in this constituency, the annexation of the two Ilford wards remains the same as in a previous version of the proposals.

Ilford North will lose Bridge, Clayhall and Roding but gain Newbury, Seven Kings and Chadwell.

Lee Scott, Conservative MP for Ilford North, said: “I’m still in agreement with Mike, there should be an Ilford North and South. I will be putting in a comment and we will see what happens.”

Once the final recommendations have been given next year, MPs will vote on them.

Mr Scott added: “We said we were reducing the number of MPs so it would be hypocritical not to support it. I’m not a hypocrite.”

Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith said he was “frustrated” he would be “losing” Woodford and will write to the Commission expressing that view.”