In the recent proposals published by the Boundary Commission, the constituency of Thirsk and Malton would lose Thornton Dale and the eight surrounding villages if they get the go ahead in Parliament. The Thornton Dale ward is a lovely area and I am grateful for all the support the residents have given me.
There is some good news from this revised version of the proposals. Part of the Bagby and Thorntons ward in the Hambleton district join us and Filey, which under the previous model would have been lost, will now remain part of Thirsk and Malton.
The general principle behind these changes is that it will reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600 and therefore reduce the cost to the taxpayer. It will also equalise the number of electorate within constituencies. I am in favour of this, and regretfully the line has to be drawn somewhere. However, the changes require a vote in the House of Commons before they come into force and it is by no means certain that it would go through in this Parliament. I encourage everyone who wishes to have their say to take part in the hearings and consultation, which closes on December 11th.
For more details and information on all the villages that will be affected please go to the Boundary Commission website: https://www.bce2018.org.uk/