Mendip MP's react to potential constituency changes

The Boundary Commission for England is looking at levelling up the number of electors in each constituency by redrawing and renaming some seats.

There will be plenty of public consultation before any final decision is taken, but any changes agreed on could be in place ahead of the next election.

READ MORE: Why someone in Staplegrove could have a different MP to someone in Taunton after the next General Election

The current changes proposed would see the addition of two new Somerset seats - Bridgwater and Frome.

Instead of Somerton and Frome, there would be both Somerton and Glastonbury and another separate constituency of just Frome.

Current MP for Somerton and Frome, David Warburton, said he would welcome the changes - saying the new constituencies are an 'embarrassment of riches'.

“I’m rather sad that Somerton and Frome are being separated – it will be the end of an era, given the constituency has existed for almost three decades, since 1983," said Mr Warburton.

"But the two new constituencies will, should this go through, each have a very distinct character.

"Somerton and Frome is an enormous constituency, and I must say that having an additional MP will mean that every constituent will wield more democratic power.

"The new Glastonbury and Somerton constituency is immensely exciting, with wonderful new inclusions stretching from world-famous Glastonbury in the north, along with Street and the brilliant Strode College, to Yeovilton in the south, home to the Royal Navy’s premier air base.

"And the new Frome constituency will not only include the fantastic town itself (and its surrounding villages) but take in far more of the Mendips - stretching from the blossoming market town of Bruton all the way to Radstock and Midsomer Norton in the north, and many other glorious villages almost touching Bath."

Also in Mendip, there could be the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency.

MP for Wells, James Heappey, has said the two extra seats are 'great news'.

“Most importantly, the redrawing of constituency boundaries will level up the size of constituencies across the United Kingdom and address the democratic deficit," he added.

“In that respect, it is great news that Somerset gains two additional voices in Westminster.

"The next step is to look carefully at the Boundary Commission’s recommendations to make sure that they work for local communities.”

Elsewhere in the county, instead of Bridgwater and West Somerset, Bridgwater could be a separate constituency, with a Minehead and Tiverton patch.

There could also patches for Taunton, Yeovil and Weston-super-Mare.