Chippenham Constituency
The creation of the new Chippenham Constituency is due to the review of the Boundary Commission of seats in England, due to take effect before the next General Election. The new constituency includes four towns: Bradford on Avon, Chippenham, Corsham and Melksham, and surrounding villages including: Atworth, Beanacre, Berryfield, Bowerhill, Broughton Gifford, Gastard, Hilperton, Holt, Lacock, Limpley Stoke, Monkton Farleigh, Neston, Semington, Shaw, South Wraxall, Staverton, Westwood, Whitley, and Winsley.
The Boundary Commission conduct general reviews of the Parliamentary constituencies every 8 to 12 years. The review started in 2000 and the new boundaries are based upon the population in each seat in February 2000.
Boundary reviews adjust the Parliamentary boundaries to take account of changes in local government boundaries and population changes. The Boundary Commissions are non-partisan.
This review has created 13 new seats and and 9 abolished across the country.
The “Guide to the New Electoral Boundaries” by the respected election commentator Anthony Wells reports that on the new boundaries, the new Chippenham Constituency is a good one for the Liberal Democrats. The guide says:
“Wiltshire is currently represented by four Conservative MPs but this new fifth seat, consisting of Chippenham itself, Melksham and Bradford-on-Avon will likely have a small Liberal Democrat majority.”
“Notional 2005 result:
- Conservative 17,717
- Labour 7,768
- Lib Dem 18,977
- Other 1,677
“Liberal Democrat Majority 1,260 (2.7%)”
