Setting boundaries - from Harriet Hadfield's 5 stories

Published 00:00 on 30 Jan 2022

As many will know, I'm quite into politics and I've written here before about the boundary change next year which will give us two MPs to vote for in the next likely General Election - bar a snap election - in May 2024. The big question continues to be where the boundary lines are drawn between Isle of Wight West and Isle of Wight East - and the latest opportunity for feedback has been announced in the form of public consultations up and down the country. The only problem  for the Island is that our nearest public consulation meeting is Portsmouth - which has caused some dismay among those who fear it'll be too difficult and costly for everyone to have their voice heard about such a significant change to our electoral landscape. With only 4 locations for everyone in the South-East, you can understand why its impractical to host one here. As one Island politico told me: "Its a bit irritating but people can still submit comments in writing. I do have some sympathy with people on this, but we do live on an island. These hearings are really for those actively involved in parties, so it is likely that their representatives will make the effort to travel across." I might go myself and will of course, keep you updated! From Harriet Hadfield's 5 stories. To read more pieces or subscribe, click here.