News Release

20th November 2002

'WHITTINGTON TO STAY WITH LICHFIELD' SAYS PARLIAMENTARY BOUNDARY REVIEW

Michael Fabricant has welcomed the findings of the Parliamentary Boundary Review for Staffordshire which totally rejected the Labour Party's proposals to transfer Whittington out of the Lichfield constituency and move Shenstone, Stonnall, and Little Aston out of the Labour held Tamworth constituency and into Lichfield. The Boundary Commission says with regards to Whittington: "There were a number of written representations to the Commission confirming its strong historical and local links with Lichfield as opposed to Tamworth including a letter from Michael Fabricant MP and strong evidence was given at the inquiry confirming this".

Michael Fabricant says "I am delighted with this outcome. It would have been dreadful to lose Whittington with its close natural ties to Lichfield. It was a disgrace that Labour even suggested it."

The Boundary Commission has made one change to the Lichfield Constituency. In order to even up numbers in each Staffordshire Parliamentary seat, Needwood will be transferred out of Burton constituency (which currently has too many electors compared with the national average) and transferred into Lichfield which is currently too small. In making this change, the Boundary Commission says: we are "satisfied that there are close links with Yoxall which is currently in the Lichfield Parliamentary Constituency". Mr Fabricant says "I understand the logic of the Commission's finding on this. Given that this change will take place, I look forward to working for the people of Needwood as I already do for my existing Lichfield constituency once the changes come into force."

Note that these changes cannot happen now. They will take place immediately after either the next General Election or the General Election after that depending on when the Boundary Report for England is enacted in Parliament.