Proposals to abolish a 66-year-old Redbridge constituency will destroy community links, says the MP who stands to lose his seat.

The plans, published today, will split Ilford South, held by Labour MP Mike Gapes for 20 years, between a newly created Wanstead and Woodford constituency, Ilford North, Barking and Dagenham, and East Ham.

The draft Boundary Commission changes will see the number of MPs in England reduced from 532 to 502 before the next election.

Mr Gapes said: “The essence of these proposals is to destroy community relationships with a crude mathematical formula.

“This historic Ilford South constituency is being split into four and the Boundary Commission has not taken any account of the community interest.”

He added: “The relationship I have worked to build with the community over 20 years has been cast asunder with the stroke of a pen.”

Conservative MP for Ilford North, Lee Scott, said he feels lucky that 80 per cent of his constituency will remain unchanged, and that it “won’t be easy” for his neighbour Mr Gapes.

Mr Scott will recommend a “minor tweak” to the commission, keeping Clayhall within Ilford North rather than conveying it to the Wanstead and Woodford constituency.

The Boundary Commission for England is an independent public body that reviews all parliamentary boundaries. It is holding a public consultation on the initial proposals between now and December 5.