Local MPs welcome Boundary Commission proposals to retain constituency boundaries in Oldham
Date published: 08 November 2022
Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon
Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has welcomed proposals from the Boundary Commission of England that the constituencies of Oldham West and Royton and Oldham East and Saddleworth remain wholly unchanged.
There had been proposals to exchange the Alexandra and St Mary’s wards, both currently within the existing Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency, with the Royton North and Royton South wards, both currently within the existing Oldham West and Royton constituency.
Both Mr McMahon and Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams had made written representations to the Commission, arguing against these proposals arguing they were an unnecessary change with no electoral value.
They also did not acknowledge the importance of Broadway and Manchester Road as connecting roads in the constituency through both Chadderton and Royton.
However, proposals from the MP and the Chadderton Historical Society to include Chadderton in the name of the constituency were not taken up by the Commission.
Mr McMahon believes that a more appropriate name for the constituency would be 'Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton' as Chadderton makes up around 31% of the population of the constituency.
Mr McMahon said: “I am pleased by the proposals from the Boundary Commission to accept my recommendations that the constituency boundaries for Oldham West and Royton should remain unchanged.
"The previous proposals would have represented unnecessary upheaval with no material benefit and I am pleased that they have not been taken forward.
"However, I am disappointed that once again proposals to include Chadderton in the constituency name have not been taken on board.
"This represents a missed opportunity to represent the second largest town in the constituency and one which makes up 31% of the constituency’s population.
"This is a proposal that I and many other members of the community, such as the Chadderton Historical Society, felt had merit and as such I will continue to advocate for it as the Commission makes it final deliberations before producing its finalised report in July, 2023.”
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Ms Abrahams said: "I welcome the Boundary Commission's recommendation that the constituency of Oldham East and Saddleworth remains unchanged.
"I have represented the area for nearly 12 years and believe the current arrangements for the constituency work well.
"The constituency boundary is co-terminus with the local authority and recognises the historic settlements of Saddleworth, and Shaw and Crompton.
"There are many natural ties between the distinct and diverse communities that make up Oldham East and Saddleworth, and I am pleased to see this recognised in the review.”
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