PLANS are being drawn up to remove the Meon Valley constituency.

The Boundary Commission has launched a public consultation on the proposal.

Most of the area will be included in the Winchester constituency, with the southern area, including Wickham, going to Fareham.

It's also proposed that Chandler's Ford be transferred to Eastleigh.

Currently, England has 533 constituencies and the proposal will increase the number to 543, even though the Meon Valley is being removed.

The Meon Valley constituency was created in 2010. Conservative George Hollingbery held the seat until 2019, when current MP Flick Drummond was elected.

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Ms Drummond said: "I am, of course, deeply disappointed it appears the Meon Valley constituency will cease to exist in a few years' time.

"I made the case for it to stay and for there to be only a few council ward changes. I believed this would be less disruptive but the independent review disagreed.

"However, I do agree with the principle that we need more consistent representation for constituents across the country. It cannot be right some MPs have huge populations to serve while others have much smaller ones.

"Until the changes happen, I will continue to do my absolute best for everyone in Meon Valley as we face economic headwinds. It is a brilliant constituency full of wonderful people, natural beauty and innovative companies."

Reacting to the final boundary review consultation, Winchester Liberal Democrat election candidate Danny Chambers said: "I will continue to campaign hard in those areas of the Meon Valley that may potentially become part of the Winchester constituency.  

"From Bishop's Waltham, across to Soberton and up to West Meon and Cheriton, Lib Dem activists are working all year around to give voters an alternative to the Conservatives. 

"The bulk of my veterinary work is in the Meon Valley so I know the area very well. 

"The Lib Dems had an MP from 1997-2010 when the constituency included parts of the Meon Valley, and I'm determined to gain the trust of local people so it can be done again." 

The consultation period lasts from November 8 to December 5. People can contribute by visiting bcereviews.org.uk/, emailing information@boundarycommissionengland.gov.uk or writing to 35 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BQ.

The final proposals will be put to parliament by July 1 next year.