Many MPs returned to Westminster from their constituencies uncharacteristically early today. The cause was the parliamentary boundary review, embargoed copies of which they received at 12pm.
Though the subject is unlikely to quicken voters’ pulses, it is crucial to the outcome of the next general election. The review, which is coupled with a reduction in the number of MPs from 650 to 600, is expected to cost Labour around 30 seats (out of 232) and the Liberal Democrats around four (out of eight). It was for this reason that the two parties combined in the last parliament to delay the review until after the 2015 election.
Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month
Content from our partners
