Tory anger at Blackpool boundary review

A review of ward boundaries in Blackpool has been branded “a complete waste of time” by the town’s Tory leader after a report concluded only minor changes needed to be made.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It is proposed the resort’s political map will continue to include 21 wards, each represented by two councillors with boundaries tweaked in all but six wards to reflect population changes.

Read More
Blackpool boundary review sparks election claim

Stanley ward looks set to be reduced in size to “ensure good electoral equality” according to a report by the Boundary Commission, an independent body whose role is to make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors.

Image shows the proposed new boundaries (with blue markings where the changes are)Image shows the proposed new boundaries (with blue markings where the changes are)
Image shows the proposed new boundaries (with blue markings where the changes are)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Other proposed changes include altering the boundary between Greenlands and Warbreck wards to “better reflect evidence of community identity.”

Coun Tony Williams, leader of the Conservative group on Blackpool Council, said they were dismayed at the outcome of the review after his group’s suggestions, which included merging Brunswick and Talbot wards, were rejected.

He said: “I think it was a complete waste of time and money because hardly anything has changed.

“At the last local elections we could see there was some imbalance because the Conservatives got more votes but Labour remained in control as they won more seats.

The number of councillors in the chamber is set to stay the sameThe number of councillors in the chamber is set to stay the same
The number of councillors in the chamber is set to stay the same
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“So that suggested the Boundary Commission did want to see some electoral equalisation across Blackpool.

“But they could have written this on the back of a fag packet in the pub.”

Coun Ivan Taylor, deputy leader of the Labour group on Blackpool Council, said they were reasonably happy with the outcome although would be suggesting some further improvements.

He said: “The proposals are largely acceptable to us. It’s 20 years since the boundaries were last reviewed so there will have been population changes etc.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There is a further period of consultation which I hope people will participate in, as we will as a political group.”

Following the May 2019 elections, Labour retained town hall control after winning 23 of the 42 seats, but the Conservatives received around 200 more votes across the whole borough.

Consultation on the proposals lasts until  April 11, and if accepted the changes will take effect in time for the next local elections in May 2023.

Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the Local Boundary Commission, said:  “We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Blackpool. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions. ”

People can take part by logging onto https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/29508People can also give their views by e-mail at [email protected], and by post: The Review Officer (Blackpool), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth NE24 9FE

* ​Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here