AN MP whose North Yorkshire constituency could alter under proposals by the boundary commission says he has “mixed feelings” about the plans.

MP Kevin Hollinrake’s Thirsk and Malton constituency is set to both gain and lose a number of villages under the draft proposals.

It would mean Great Ayton and the surrounding area now leave MP Rishi Sunak’s Richmondshire constituency and come under his parliamentary seat, but he would lose the coastal town of Filey, which would join Robert Goodwill’s Scarborough and Whitby constituency. Under the proposals Maunby, Newby Wiske and the Otterington villages would join Richmondshire.

MP, Kevin Hollinrake, said: “I would be very disappointed to lose Filey if these changes go ahead as I have always loved the town and very much enjoy my regular visits and the representing the area locally and in Westminster.

“However, as a seaside resort, some local people may feel that it does make sense that it is linked up with Scarborough.

“Whatever the outcome of the current consultation on the proposals, I shall continue to work hard to represent Filey and the Hambleton ward until any changes come into force in 2020.

“Of course, should Great Ayton join the constituency as proposed, I will endeavour to meet local residents and businesses at the earliest opportunity.”