THE Meon Valley constituency could be broken up under proposals by the Boundary Commission.

Only established in 2010, the rural constituency held by Conservative MP Flick Drummond would again become part of constituencies of Winchester, Fareham and East Hampshire.

Winchester would get back a chunk of the Meon Valley including Cheriton, Kilmeston, Bishop's Waltham and Hambledon, but lose Chandler's Ford which would return to Eastleigh.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has today published its initial proposals for new constituency boundaries and is asking the public for their views in an eight-week consultation.

The boundaries are reviewed every five years with the aim to make sure all constituencies are the same size.

The Commission says it is required to ensure that the number of electors in each constituency is more equal; in doing so, the number of constituencies in England will increase from 533 to 543.

The BCE's final recommendations will go to Parliament by July 2023.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit www.bcereviews.org.uk to view maps showing the proposed new boundaries and provide feedback before the consultation closes on August 2.

Tim Bowden, Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said: “We consider all feedback received during the consultation process, and it is your local knowledge that helps us to shape constituencies that best reflect your local area. It is easy to get involved – view our proposals and have your say through our online consultation portal – www.bcereviews.org.uk ”

Meon Valley is a solidly Conservative seat with Ms Drummond's majority at the 2019 General Election of 23,555. She replaced Sir George Hollingbery who retired.

This afternoon she told the Chronicle: "It is disappointing that Meon Valley constituency could disappear in these proposed changes, but this has been a possibility for many years now.
"I certainly support the plan as it is right that constituencies should have a similar population to give better representation across the country and reflect population changes.
"I look forward to taking part in the consultation, primarily to make sure the people of Meon Valley get the best possible outcome. Until then, I remain the MP for this wonderful place and I will continue to represent all my constituents to the best of my ability.
"It’s also important to stress these changes are several years away and may change."