LOCAL MP David Davies has revealed he feared the Monmouth constituency would be wiped off the political map following a review of parliamentary boundaries.
The Boundary Commission has unveiled initial plans to cut the number of parliamentary seats in Wales by a quarter. However, Mr Davies said he welcomed the proposals to create a new county constituency of Monmouthshire.
“There were rumours the changes could lead to the abolition or dismemberment of the Monmouth constituency, but in all they are relatively minor amendments which will hardly affect anyone,” said Mr Davies, who has been the sitting MP since 2005.
“I’m very pleased with the proposed name change. The county is Monmouthshire and Monmouth is the county town. Therefore, being referred to as the Member for Monmouth does not effectively describe the position and is confusing to residents in other towns such as Abergavenny, Chepstow and Usk.
“There will also be a few changes made to the boundaries. Including the Caldicot area into the new Monmouthshire constituency is perfectly logical. The wards concerned elect representatives to Monmouthshire County Council but are currently in the existing Newport East constituency. To marry up the local authority and parliamentary boundaries will, in my view, enable the MP to provide a better service and help bring clarity. From a personal point of view, I used to live on Hill Park in Caldicot as a child and started school at Sandy Lane, so I look forward to renewing my ties to the area.
“The same is true of the electoral divisions of Croesyceiliog and Llanyravon. Residents have often asked me why they are within the Torfaen County Borough Council area and the existing Monmouth constituency. I have enjoyed representing these areas, but including them into the Torfaen constituency seems eminently sensible.
“The Langstone area also fits nicely into the new proposals for a Monmouthshire constituency. There is a neat geographical connection, basically making a continuation of the Caldicot area along the A48. Being born and raised in Newport myself, I’m aware most residents would consider the Coldra roundabout and A449 to be the natural city boundary, putting Langstone outside of what would generally be considered to be the city limits.
“Across Wales the changes will mean a reduction in the number of MPs. Those who are left will have more people to represent and will therefore have to work a little harder! I for one am not complaining about that and have written to the Boundary Commission expressing my support for the proposals.""
The plans, which follow UK government legislation, are open to public consultation until 4th April.