Hemel Hempstead MP sorry to lose villages in constituency boundary shake-up

The Boundary Commission for England has today (June 8) published its initial proposals for new constituency boundaries ahead of an eight-week consultation process.

Sir Mike Penning Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead, has expressed his disappointment at proposals that his constituency will lose Kings Langley and the villages to the north of the constituency – Markyate, Flamstead, Potten End and the Gaddesdens.

The new Hemel Hempstead constituency will consist of the town of Hemel Hempstead and parishes of Bovingdon and Chipperfield.

South West Hertfordshire - which also includes Tring and Berkhamsted - would be abolished, with all of the towns and villages moving into the constituencies of either Three Rivers, Hemel Hempstead, or Harpenden and Berkhamsted, which is also brand new.

Kings Langley will move into Three Rivers constituency and villages to the north of Hemel will be incorporated into a new Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency.

If approved, the changes will come into effect after the next General Election so Sir Mike will continue to represent the people who elected him until that time.

Sir Mike said: “I recognise that the constituency boundaries need to be redrawn as the population of this area has increased considerably since the last boundary changes, but it is sad to lose areas that I have represented for over 15 years.

“I have many friends in these areas and enjoy working with the people there and representing them in Parliament.”

He added: “However, on the bright side, it is great to welcome back Bourne End, Felden, Bovingdon, Flaunden and Chipperfield which all have historic links with the Hemel Hempstead constituency.”

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is an independent public body, responsible for reviewing Parliamentary constituency boundaries in the country.

The body has been reviewing boundary lines which could be implemented in 2023.

Members of the public now have eight weeks to have their say on the proposals, which could be revised based on responses from constituents.

Full details can be found on the Boundary Commission for England consultation website, the consultation closes on Monday, August 2 2021.