Boundary Commission constituency revision for Sydenham

[rbmartin]

The initial proposal was for a new constituency splitting Lewisham West and Penge between Beckenham to the south and a new seat covering Forest Hill and Sydenham with wards in Dulwich.

The new proposals are for a new Lewisham South seat covering Forest Hill, Sydenham (LB Lewisham area only), Lower Sydenham. Bellingham, Whitefoot and Grove Park.

http://assets.boundarycommissionforengl ... h%20BC.pdf

Residents in Upper Sydenham who live in Southwark are proposed to be part of a new Dulwich and Peckham seat.

http://assets.boundarycommissionforengl ... m%20BC.pdf

Residents in Sydenham who live in the London Borough of Bromley will become part of a new Beckenham seat.

[Eagle]

The proposed Sydenham seat would be very Labour oriented , with Downham and Bellingham could be little else.
Jim Dowd could rule for ever.

Surely Sydenham more in common with Penge than Grove Park?

[leenewham]

It's so large an area that it basically means you wouldn't have a local MP. Infact it almost means there is no point having a local MP anyway. My dealings with the MP for Brockley was a waste of time.

Why not do away with MPs in London and replace them with the members of the GLA. It would save money too and probably be more effective.

[stuart]

Surely Sydenham more in common with Penge than Grove Park?

For us - yes. For an MP - no.

Remember much of a bank bencher's work is as a glorified social worker. In particular dealing with dissatisfaction with the work of various public institutions. Much of their demographics follows the borough boundaries. So whether we are talking about the council or the police our problems are shared more with the denizens of Grove Park than Cator Park.

Its about as sensible as the borders can make it. On a related point do we know if James is going for another term?

Stuart

[mikej]

Personally, living just over the border near Kent House station, I think I'd prefer to be back in the Beckenham constituency as these proposals suggest.

However, these proposals aren't likely to be too relevant as the Lib Dems are vetoing them in retaliation for the Tories not backing Lords reform.

So let's not waste our time!