Two parts of Havering, one bordering Romford town centre, are set to become part of Dagenham as far as elections go - under proposals from the Boundary Commission.
But Havering’s politicians look set to escape the fate of their colleagues in other areas who are losing their seats, as the number of MPs is cut from 650 to 600.
There will still be a Romford, and a Hornchurch & Upminster constituency, while parts of the borough will form part of a new Dagenham North constituency, replacing the Dagenham & Rainham seat.
Parts of Havering currently within Dagenham and Rainham will move to Hornchurch and Upminster. Meanwhile Brooklands ward, which borders Romford Town and Mawneys, which contains Collier Row – will become part of Dagenham North.
Romford MP, Andrew Rosindell, said: “There were always going to be major changes as the number of seats is being reduced. What’s a surprise is the magnitude of the changes.
“They are currently only proposals, and I will straight away be asking that the Dagenham North constituency is called ‘Collier Row and Dagenham North’ because it contains so much of Collier Row.”
He added: “Whatever the final outcome, both myself and Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) are going to fight the next election to win the seats for the Conservative Party. Hopefully the Conservative Party will win the new Dagenham North constituency because under the new proposals it will be a highly marginal seat.”
Dagenham and Rainham MP, Jon Cruddas, said: “The proposals will not alter my (current) job which is to try and represent every single person who lives in the Dagenham and Rainham constituency based on the 2010 boundaries. They elected me and I am responsible to them.”
The commission said it was moving wards between the seats even though Hornchurch and Upminster didn’t really need to be altered because “the shape of the existing constituency limited the options available for the creation of neighbouring constituencies.”
The proposals do not affect the borough of Havering for local council elections or services.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here