How Wearside's political map could change under new proposals

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is carrying out a review of all Parliamentary constituencies and will make final proposals to the Government in September 2018.

It has proposed its latest suggested layout which, if implemented would mean changes for some voters.

The proposals, which will see the number of North East seats reduced by four to 25, include:

l Sunderland Central constituency, which Julie Elliott serves as MP, remaining unchanged.

l Washington and Sunderland West constituency, served by Sharon Hodgson MP, to include the Sandhill ward.

l A new Houghton and Seaham constituency that would take in wards represented by both Bridget Phillipson in Houghton and Sunderland South and Grahame Morris in Easington.

l A new City of Durham and Easington constituency that would include Horden, Murton, Peterlee and Easington.

In its proposed report, the BCE says: “A revised Houghton and Seaham constituency was suggested by the assistant commissioners that included the wards of Dawdon, Deneside, and Seaham to compensate for the inclusion of the Sandhill ward in the Washington and Sunderland West constituency that they agreed should be revised.

“The A690 and A19 roads were considered to be accessible transport routes that would serve the entire constituency.

“They were also aware that Dawdon, Deneside, and Seaham look towards the Easington and Murton wards, but numerical constraints meant that these wards could not also be included in the same constituency.

“We agree with these recommendations.”

The proposals will now be subject to an eight-week consultation, running from today until December 11.

People are encouraged to visit www.bce2018.org.uk to air their views or write to 35 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BQ.