PARTS of Weymouth could be moved into a different parliamentary constituency under proposed boundary changes that would leave the rest of Dorset largely unchanged.
The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) proposals would see Chickerell regrouped into the South Dorset constituency, as well as Charlestown and Lanehouse.
Meanwhile Upwey and Broadwey would no longer be in the same constituency as Weymouth, and would switch to become part of West Dorset.
The provisional changes are being proposed because the BCE is required to ensure that the number of electors in each constituency is more equal, and the number of constituents living in West Dorset is deemed to be too high.
Under the proposals, just under 10 per cent of the existing 533 English constituencies remain the same. If adopted, it will mean the number of constituencies in England will increase from 533 to 543.
However the majority of Dorset is relatively unaffected, and would maintain its eight constituencies, with the boundaries for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole largely unchanged.
The commission has stressed that the proposals are provisional. It is not due to make its final recommendations to Parliament until July 2023.
Residents are now being invited to share their views in an eight-week consultation.
A BCE document summing up the initial proposals, says: "The existing West Dorset constituency, with an electorate of 81,091, is above the permitted electorate range.
"In our proposed configuration, it would not be possible to include both the Winterborne & Broadmayne, and Chickerell wards in the West Dorset constituency.
"We therefore propose that the Chickerell ward from the existing West Dorset constituency be exchanged for the Upwey & Broadwey ward from the existing South Dorset constituency."
Tim Bowden, BCE secretary, said: “Today’s proposals mark the first time people get to see what the new map of Parliamentary constituencies might look like. But they are just the Commission’s initial thoughts.
"Help us draw the line to make the number of electors in each Parliamentary constituency more equal.
"Each constituency we recommend is required by law to contain between 69,724 and 77,062 electors, meaning there will be significant change to current boundaries. We want to hear the views of the public to ensure that we get the new boundaries for Parliamentary constituencies right.
"We consider all feedback received during the consultation process, and it is your local knowledge that helps us to shape constituencies that best reflect your local area.
"It is easy to get involved - view our proposals and have your say on our online consultation portal - www.bcereviews.org.uk.”
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