Boundaries braced for radical change

May 29 2009 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

PAISLEY could have just one MSP representing the town in the Scottish Parliament as the Boundary Commission redraws the electoral map.

Currently, Paisley South MSP Hugh Henry and Paisley North MSP Wendy Alexander fly the flag for the town at Holyrood.

But the Commission has devised a new set of proposals that involves a radical shake-up.

The Paisley Daily Express understands Renfrewshire and part of East Renfrewshire will form three new constituencies – Paisley, Renfrewshire North and West, and Renfrewshire South.

The Paisley constituency would cover the whole of the town, with the exception of Gallowhill.

Renfrewshire North and West would include Gallowhill, Renfrew, Erskine, Langbank, Bishopton, Inchinnan, Kilmacolm and part of Houston.

And Renfrewshire South would cover part of Houston, Barrhead, Uplawmoor, Neilston, Johnstone, Linwood, Howwood, Kilbarchan and Elderslie.

Boundary bosses have also ditched controversial plans to lump Renfrew into a new constituency with Clydebank.

Both Ms Alexander and Mr Henry praised the decision not to stretch Renfrewshire’s parliamentary boundaries across the River Clyde but the Labour colleagues had different opinions on the rest of the proposals.

Mr Henry said: “I’m pleased the Boundary Commission has listened to the arguments not to have a constituency that crosses the River Clyde.

“I think what they have come up with is a reasonable solution.”

However, Ms Alexander said: “I think the revised proposals do not respect natural communities.”

One political source has told the Express the boundary shake-up could cause problems at the next Holyrood election – due in 2011 – as the East Renfrewshire Council areas within the new Renfrewshire South seat contain strong support for the Conservatives.

However, Mr Henry is adamant that challenge can be overcome.

He said: “I intend to run next time. A big chunk of my constituency will go towards the Paisley seat and another to Renfrewshire South.

“I would need to discuss with my party colleagues which seat to go for but I believe Labour would be able to put on a good showing in either seat.”

The plan to lump Renfrew with Clydebank met with opposition from both Labour and the SNP, who claimed the links between the two towns were so weak that it would make no sense to forge a political union.

Leader of the SNP-led Renfrewshire Council Derek Mackay said: “Boundary changes rarely please everyone but they risked pleasing no-one with the cross-Clyde option to make the numbers work.

“Now they have ditched this, we welcome the fact that Renfrew stays in Renfrewshire and many existing communities have been maintained.

“This will be a major change for the Scottish Parliament electoral map and, for the first time, Paisley will have its own Scottish Parliament seat, albeit not including the Gallowhill area.

“Since the formation of the parliament, Paisley was split between North and South and this new Paisley seat could give greater identity to a Paisley MSP.”

The plans have been drawn up to level out voter numbers for the Scottish elections to around 50,000 people in each constituency.

The proposed Paisley seat would have an electorate of around 51,000 voters, while Renfrewshire North and West would have 48,500 voters and Renfrewshire South another 49,500.

Boundary Commission secretary Dr Hugh Buchanan said a public consultation on the plans will now be carried out.

He added: “We are keen to hear any views on the proposals, whether in agreement or not.”

To have your say, send an e-mail to representations@scottishboundaries.gov.uk by Sunday, June 21..gov.uk by Sunday, June 21.