Jo spoke on Friday at a publc hearing for the Boundary Commission for England, in support of their proposals to return the Cray Valley West ward to Orpington, as it was before the 2005 election.  The changes are part of the Government's plans to reduce the number of constituencies by 50, saving the taxpayer upwards of £12 million a year. 

In his statement to the Commission, Jo spoke of the proud local identity of the Crays and argued that it should have one strong voice to represent it. He explained that residents of the Cray Valley feel a natural affinity and identification with the town centre of Orpington, rather than that of Bromley. Residents tend to shop on Orpington High Street rather than Bromley High Street, and choose healthcare and schools near Orpington.   Following the boundary changes, many constituents from Cray Valley West still think they are part of Orpington anyway, having never realised that the boundaries changed in 2005. Restoration of the old boundaries would put an end to residents turning up at the wrong surgery and contacting the wrong MP.

Jo also discussed the ongoing regeneration of the Crays, which is hugely valued by residents on both sides of the divide, as well as shared provision of services – schools, churches, police, transport, health and youth centres.

To learn more about the Boundary Commission or to make representations on its proposals click here