Key Points:

  1. Boundary Review Impact in East and West Sussex:
    • The Boundary Review has redrawn the political map in East and West Sussex to even out the number of people each MP represents.
    • The changes will come into force for the next general election, likely to be called in 2024.
  2. Constituency Changes:
    • Sussex Weald:
      • Replacing the Wealden constituency, Sussex Weald includes parts of the old Wealden constituency and Bexhill and Battle.
      • Historically Conservative-held areas, Tories are expected to target this seat.
    • East Grinstead and Uckfield:
      • A new constituency joining parts of Wealden, Lewes, Mid Sussex, and Horsham.
      • Likely to be a Conservative target, with Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies selected to stand here.
    • Mid Sussex:
      • Loses East Grinstead but extends to the south, taking in areas from Arundel and South Downs.
      • A focus for the Liberal Democrats after their success in the local elections.
    • Arundel and South Downs:
      • Expands to include Midhurst and surrounding villages, focusing on consolidating the South Downs areas.
    • Brighton and Hove:
      • Minor rearrangement, with areas moving between Brighton Pavilion and Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.
      • Hove constituency officially renamed Hove and Portslade.
    • Worthing:
      • Changes in Worthing constituencies; East Worthing and Shoreham remains unchanged, Worthing West takes in Angmering and Findon but loses Rustington.
      • Worthing becomes a key battleground with Labour aiming to challenge the long-standing Conservative dominance.
  3. Political Dynamics:
    • Conservatives are expected to target newly formed constituencies, while the Liberal Democrats and Labour see opportunities in areas with changing demographics or local electoral success.
    • The general election in 2024 will provide a clearer picture of the impact of these constituency changes on political representation in East and West Sussex.