The boundaries of the Saffron Walden Parliamentary Constituency are set to change. But NOT until the next General Election, which need not be until 2010.

An increase of population in the county justifies the creation of an extra constituency. A shuffling of boundaries to achieve this means that all the parts of Braintree District which are currently in the Saffron Walden constituency will transfer into Braintree constituency, which in turn will lose Witham which will then be the core of the new constituency.

That sounds straightforward even though it is sad to break links which have existed as far back as 1885. However, there is a complication which is set to confuse. In preparation for the next election which will be fought on the new boundaries local parties have re-organised themselves on this basis from 1 January, 2007.

This means that party political activity in Halstead and all the neighbouring villages will come under the auspices of Braintree. My colleague, Brooks Newmark, will be seeking to familiarise himself with the area he hopes to represent. He will do so with my blessing, but I must stress that I remain
Member of Parliament and I shall not be disappearing. So it will be business as usual till the election comes.

The constituency is also gaining the addition of four new polling wards from the West Chelmsford constituency.

To check whether you will remain in, or be added to, Sir Alan’s constituency click the following link:

Boundary Change