An MP who became the first ever Conservative to hold a County Durham seat has said he is “devastated” at the thought of losing it if plans to disband his constituency are approved.
Proposals published by the Boundary Commission for England reveal the Conservative-held North West Durham constituency could be disbanded.
Several Consett council wards could move into a new ‘Blaydon and Consett’ constituency crossing the County Durham and Gateshead border while Crook, Stanley and Weardale could change to the Bishop Auckland constituency. Kevan Jones’ Labour seat of North Durham, which includes Chester-le-Street, could include Stanley.
Conservative MP Richard Holden was elected in 2019 in an historic victory for the party, making it the first time the Tories have held the seat since its inception in 1950. Mr Holden defeated Labour hopeful Laura Pidcock in a closely contested vote which saw it swing in favour of the Tories by 1,144 votes.
How the current North West Durham constituency maps out
Responding to the latest news, Richard Holden MP said: “I am completely devastated by the decision of the Boundary Commission to go against their original plan and instead back the Labour Party’s proposal to split my North West Durham constituency into four attaching them to different areas.
“Whatever happens in the final revision my team and I will continue to fight for everyone in North West Durham and the health, transport and education campaigns I’ve been working on - especially around the replacement for Shotley Bridge Hospital - right up to the day of the next general election.”
Read more: Political boundaries across the North East could change - here's what it could mean for you
The idea for the new Blaydon and Consett constituency originated after local Labour Party representatives proposed dividing Gateshead across parts of four constituencies, and Sunderland across three, with a Blaydon and Consett constituency that would cross the County Durham and Gateshead boundary.
Officials for the Boundary Commission said they “did feel that the two towns are well connected via the A694 and did not discern a significant difference in character as they crossed between local authorities”.
The current North West Durham wards which could move to a new constituency are: Benfieldside, Blackhill, Burnhope, Burnopfield, Castleside, Consett East, Consett North, Consett South, Cornsay, Delves Lane, Dipton, Ebchester and Medomsley, Esh, Lanchester, and Leadgate.
The Wear Valley wards of Crook North, Crook South, Howden, Hunwick, St John's Chapel, Stanhope, Tow Law and Stanley, Wheatbottom and Helmington Row, Willington Central, Willington West End, Wolsingham, and Witton-le-Wear are also in line to move.
Where North West Durham communites will move to
The third and final consultation on the new map of revised constituency proposals is open now until 5 December. The public are invited to view and comment on the new map at bcereviews.org.uk.
After this final consultation has closed on 5 December, the Commission will analyse the responses and form its final recommendations. These will be submitted to Parliament by 1 July 2023.
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