The Twickenham MP, Munira Wilson, has condemned a 'cynical' government move to transfer Whitton out of her constituency.

Ministers have ordered a national shake-up in the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies that are widely expected to boost the number of Conservative MPs.

Among these changes is a decision to take the Whitton ward, which is home to more than 7,500 people, out of Twickenham and move it into the Brentford & Isleworth constituency.

As a result, residents will see their MP change from Lib-Dem Munira Wilson to a constituency with a Labour MP – Ruth Cadbury.

It is thought that shifting Whitton out of the Twickenham constituency may make it easier for the Conservatives to win the seat at future general elections.

Significantly, while Whitton residents are set to move to the Brentford & Isleworth constituency, they will remain part of Richmond Borough Council for all their local services.

The new boundaries have been drawn up by The Boundary Commission on the orders of the government. There is now a four week final consultation period with a view to the change taking effect in the summer of next year.

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Residents, councillors and Munira Wilson all launched formal objections to the shift.

Munira Wilson, who lives in the Heathfield ward is very much a Whitton local, and told Nub News she feels deeply upset by the proposals.

"Fundamentally, these boundary changes are not for the good of the communities they serve," he said.

"They are cynical and arbitrary changes that will benefit the Conservatives in elections, whilst tearing communities apart in the process."

She added: "I feel upset about this not just as an MP, but as a Whitton resident myself. The proposed changes would essentially split our town in two – with half of Whitton staying in the Twickenham constituency whilst neighbours are moved into Brentford and Isleworth.

"I've opposed the boundary changes since they were first announced, having voted against the legislation that forced the changes, and having submitted a formal objection in the initial consultation.

"I will continue to oppose the changes, and I will continue my calls for a general election now - so that people can have their say on all of the crucial issues the British public are facing."

* A final four week consultation is due to be held on the proposals, which are due to come into effect in the summer of 2023. People can make representations between now and December 5 via www.bcereviews.org.uk

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