BICESTER could have its own constituency after plans to redraw boundaries across the UK were revealed.
Under the proposals, released today by the Boundary Commission, the wards of Fringford and Heyfords, Bicester West, Bicester South and Ambrosden and Launton and Otmoor would no longer be part of Banbury.
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Instead they would form part of a new Bicester constituency along with more wards stretching to Eynsham.
These include Kidlington East, Kidlington West, Eynsham and Cassington, Freeland and Hanborough, North Leigh, Woodstock and Bladon, Stonesfield and Tackley.
The changes also mean there will be a new MP.
An eight-week consultation has started today allowing residents to comment on the proposals.
North Oxfordshire MP Victoria Prentis said: “It has been clear for some time now that the Banbury constituency would need to be looked at carefully during the next round of boundary reform given the level of growth across North Oxfordshire. With a population of over 125,000 and an electorate of over 90,000, it is one of the largest Parliamentary constituencies in the UK.
“While the decision to form a new Bicester constituency does not come as a surprise, it is important to remember that these proposals have been put forward by the independent Boundary Commission. They will be subject to lengthy and detailed consultation in the weeks and months ahead. No decisions have been made.”
Of the 533 existing English constituencies, fewer than 10 per cent will remain unchanged under the proposals.
The Boundary Commission is not due to make its final recommendations to Parliament until July 2023.
Go to bcereviews.org.uk to have your say.
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