Local party leaders respond to boundary proposals

Map of the three new proposed constituencies: Rochdale, Prestwich and Middleton, and Littleborough and Saddleworth.

The three local political party leaders have responded to the Boundary Commission's revised constituency proposals. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/113241/boundary-commission-revised-constituency-proposals-leave-the-borough-carved-up-into-three-constituencies

Leader of the Conservative Party, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, said: “It is important that all the constituencies are the same size, that is only fair. I think that Littleborough and Saddleworth have a lot in common and I support that. I am fully supportive of the proposals.”

Leader of the Labour Party and Rochdale Council, Councillor Richard Farnell commented: "These are absurd proposals. The Boundary Commission's remit is to also ensure that as far as possible communities are not broken up into new artificial constituencies where its residents have little in common. I am not sure what the good folk of Kirkholt have in common with the la-de-da people of Saddleworth?

"There is no need to change the borough's two constituents. They are a good fit in terms of size of electorate. It is also much better when constituencies do not overlap borough council boundaries.

"However, it is all rather academic. Following the general election, the Tories do not have a majority to push through these controversial proposals. Rather than reducing the number of elected MPs, they should instead cull some of the 800 unelected members of the House of Lords."

Clare Poole, the council’s elections manager, said: “We are studying the proposals and we will be setting out our position in due course. The Boundary Commission’s consultation, which gives the public the chance to have their say, runs until 11 December.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Andy Kelly, was also invited to comment.