THE proposed constituency boundary changes in Scotland are likely to result in big changes in Glasgow and the Highlands and Islands.
Under the plans detailed in the Boundary Commission Scotland report, Scotland’s number of MPs will be cut from 59 to 57, while Wales will lose eight representatives and England will gain 10.
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The SNP’s deputy Westminster leader, Kirsten Oswald, says the plans coming from Westminster demonstrate Scotland’s need for “full control of our own democratic decisions”.
These are the constituencies which will see the biggest changes – and the MPs at risk.
Moray
The Boundary Commission proposals include taking Douglas Ross’s Moray seat and splitting it between three constituencies. One of those will be the new Gordon and Moray South – currently largely represented by SNP MP Richard Thomson down at Westminster. The Scottish Tory leader is not happy with the body’s decision to “carve up” his seat, although he does not intend to stand for UK Parliament at the next General Election. Thomson said if Ross did want to stand at the next vote he would “enjoy” the contest against him, but added he hopes Scotland would be independent before the next election.
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford’s seat will be changed to Highland Central and redrawn, bringing in other areas from north-east Drumnadrochit, down south to Fort William. According to elections expert Robert Hayward, both Blackford and Ross’s seats would be “substantially disrupted” under the proposals.
Glasgow North West (and Glasgow North East)
Changes in Glasgow are likely to result in an MP being lost altogether. The most likely to be affected by the change are SNP MP Carol Monaghan, whose Glasgow North West constituency would be partially taken into the new Glasgow West seat, and SNP MP Anne McLaughlin, with Glasgow North East set to be split into other areas.
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
The seat currently held by former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier is a big target for Labour. Anas Sarwar’s party will be happy about the changes here, as the constituency would be mainly Rutherglen – splitting it from the pro-SNP Hamilton area.
North East Fife
The seat formerly held by Stephen Gethins, and now belonging to LibDem MP Wendy Chamberlain, will be expanded to include Kennoway, currently part of the SNP-held Glenrothes constituency. This may be concerning for the Scottish LibDems, as they have a majority of just 1316 votes in North East Fife.
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
LibDem MP Jamie Ross is reportedly not keen on proposals to change his seat to Highlands North because it would increase the size of the seat. At the last General Election Ross had a majority of just 204, so any changes would be unwelcome.
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