Hemel Hempstead MP on electoral boundary shake-up plans

Changes have been made to the Hemel Hempstead constituency under plans from The Boundary Commission (BCE) for England, which yesterday published its initial proposals for new constituency boundaries ahead of an eight-week consultation process.  

The plans would see the new Hemel Hempstead constituency consist of the town of Hemel Hempstead and parishes of Bovingdon and Chipperfield. 

But it would lose Kings Langley and the villages to the north of the constituency, including Markyate, Flamstead, Potten End and the Gaddesdens. 

Sir Mike Penning, who is the MP for Hemel Hempstead, said: “I recognise that the constituency boundaries need to be redrawn as the population of this area has increased considerably since the last boundary changes, but it is sad to lose areas that I have represented for over 15 years. 

“I have many friends in these areas and enjoy working with the people there and representing them in Parliament.

“However, on the bright side, it is great to welcome back Bourne End, Felden, Bovingdon, Flaunden and Chipperfield which all have historic links with the Hemel Hempstead constituency.” 

Under the proposals, a new constituency will be created to the south of Hemel Hempstead called Three Rivers which will include Kings Langley.

The new Three Rivers constituency would be created broadly in line with the current Three Rivers district, where most residents are currently represented by Gagan Mohindra, the Conservative MP for South West Hertfordshire.

South West Hertfordshire, which also includes parts of Dacorum like Tring and Berkhamsted, would be abolished, with all of the towns and villages moving into the constituencies of either Three Rivers, Hemel Hempstead, or Harpenden & Berkhamsted, which is also brand new.

To have your say on the proposals, click here

For all the details about the proposals within the Eastern region of England, click here