Constituency boundary reshuffle sees new MPs created and lines redrawn across our region

Norfolk and Suffolk could be set for a radical redrawing of their political maps after the Boundary Commission for England proposed the biggest changes to parliamentary constituencies since 1997.

The announcement, which heralds the first potential border change since 2010, will seek to rectify an imbalance which has seen some constituencies differ from others by tens of thousands of voters.

Under the proposals, a North Suffolk constituency will be created to represent places like Eye and Framlingham, stretching from Halesworth in the east to Ixworth in the west.

The Central Suffolk and North Ipswich seat – currently held by Dr Dan Poulter – would be split into two, with one placed in North Suffolk, and the other becoming Ipswich North and Stowmarket.

South Norfolk – represented by Richard Bacon for the last 20 years, – would be remodelled as South West Norfolk, losing the eastern part of its constituency south of Attleborough.

In total, ten new constituencies would be created nationally, with three new MPs being provided for the east of England, including one for Cambridgeshire and one for Suffolk and Essex.

The aim is to ensure that every constituency has between 70,000 and 77,000 voters, bringing greater balance to political representation.

Tim Bowden, secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said: “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.”

A consultation period is open until August 2 and adjustments could yet be made before the changes are finalised in time for the next general election in 2024.

A further two rounds of consultation will follow next year, before the commission presents its final recommendations to Parliament by July 2023.