Revised Parliamentary constituency boundary changes have created "nonsensical constituencies", says Jim McMahon

Revised Parliamentary constituency boundary changes for Oldham which straddle four local authority areas; Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside and Manchester

The Boundary Commission's revised constituency boundary proposals has seen "community ties disregarded" and "nonsensical constituencies" created cutting through towns and boroughs, says Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon.

A proposal put forward by Oldham Council to create two constituencies within the borough boundary has been rejected, however the Commission has supported a suggestion by Mr McMahon which sees Royton unified in the same constituency.

The Commission's initial proposal would have seen all new constituencies exist with two local authorities cutting across their boundaries, while Royton – which has had the same parliamentary representation since 1832 – would have been split in two along Rochdale Road.

The current proposals maintain the creation of three seats which straddle four local authority areas: Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside and Manchester.

New rules laid down by Parliament mean that the number of constituencies in England will reduce from 533 to 501. In the North West, this means a reduction by seven, to 68. The rules are aimed at managing the size of the electorate in each constituency, so that it is no smaller than 71,031 and no larger than 78,507.

Mr McMahon said: "Together with the other Oldham MPs I supported Oldham Council's official proposal to create two constituencies within the borough boundary.

"I recognise the constraints faced by the Boundary Commission in achieving 600 constituencies, each consisting of 71,031 to 78,507 electors, but as ever my priorities lie in representing and supporting residents, and I felt duty-bound to make the Commission aware of my concerns."

Mr McMahon added: "The Commission has listened to some of my concerns, in particular the impact on Royton, although they clearly didn’t have the appetite for the fuller revision we proposed."

The minor changes are:

• Oldham: including Royton North, while removing St Mary’s.
• Failsworth and Droylsden: including St Mary’s, removing Saddleworth West and Lees.
• Littleborough and Saddleworth: including Saddleworth West and Lees, removing Royton North.