In every line of work there will be a time when things require updating, and that is true in politics when a set of Parliamentary constituency boundaries have served their purpose.
As the number of electors rise or fall in certain areas, it’s the responsibility of the Boundary Commission to come up with proposals for new seats that keep the total number of electors broadly similar. After several consultations the Commission has now produced its final recommendations, and they will be formally adopted into law very soon.
I have been honoured to serve as the MP for Halesowen & Rowley Regis since 2010, but the seat will look a little different when the next election rolls round. The ward of Rowley will be transferred to a new West Bromwich constituency and the majority of the Blackheath ward will be transferred to Smethwick. The rest of the constituency will make up a new ‘Halesowen’ seat, that also incorporates the wards of Cradley & Wollescote and Quarry Bank & Dudley Wood.
As the next election gets closer, I look forward to meeting people and organisations across both new wards, and standing up for local communities to ensure they are safe, clean, and good places to live, work and raise a family.
The boundary changes are however a bittersweet moment, as I am sad that Rowley and most of Blackheath is leaving the constituency. I have had so many great moments there, from visiting the Rowley Regis Horticultural Society to opening Blackheath Library, visiting schools and businesses and working with the local community.
Until the General Election is called I will continue to be the MP for Halesowen & Rowley Regis, and will continue to work hard for everyone across all the communities that make up the current seat. Any constituents who have an issue I can assist with can get in touch with me at [email protected]
This article first appeared in the Halesowen & Dudley News on 17th August 2023.
