Review of parliamentary constituencies

Runnymede Borough Council reviewed and opposed the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) proposals for a new constituency in the Runnymede area, called Weybridge and Chertsey.

The electoral map of England is being redrawn to reflect population change and the Government's aim that all Parliamentary constituencies contain roughly the same number of electors.

Currently there is one parliamentary constituency which covers the borough, Runnymede and Weybridge. Under the last proposals most of the Borough would remain in a constituency with similar boundaries too now.

Part of Runnymede, Egham Hythe and Egham Town, would be added to a new Windsor constituency. This will be administered from an elections perspective by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

It did not mean that Egham Hythe and Egham Town were being moved into the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council area from a local government perspective. The change would be purely related to parliamentary constituencies. Both Egham Hythe and Egham Town will remain part of the Runnymede Borough Council and Surrey County Council areas.

In addition, it is suggested that the Cobham and Downside, Oatlands and Burwood Park, Weybridge Riverside and Weybridge St George's Hill wards from Elmbridge Borough Council local authority area would be included within the new constituency.

In response to the boundary review submission, the Council concluded

• During its existence the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency has created a strong community identity with each area recognised by its electorate.
• Across Runnymede the electorate identify with a specific local authority which serves its diverse social and economic needs.
• Other organisations e.g. health sector, which serve the electorate are in the main structured to reflect the existing boundaries.
• The current proposal would have a detrimental impact on the community identity which has been created since 1974 and built on in 1997 when the existing constituency was created
• Egham Town and Egham Hythe may physically border Windsor, but residents' services are delivered by Runnymede Borough Council and Surrey County Council.
• The community is also served by Surrey Police and the local Runnymede force.

Have your say

The Boundary Commission for England @BCEReviews listened to feedback and have published new proposals for constituency boundaries. You can take part in the final consultation on the Boundary Commission website before 5 December 2023

• Boundary Commission 2023 Review of Parliamentary  constituencies