TWEEDDALE MP David Mundell’s seat is be under threat, after the Government announced proposals to change parliamentary constituencies.

The major shake-up would also see Innerleithen and Peebles divided into separate constituencies.

The UK Parliament has decided to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600, in an attempt to save £66 million.

Plans would split up the current Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale electoral area to create new Midlothian and Peebles; Dumfries and Galloway; and Clydesdale and Eskdale constituencies.

Mr Mundell’s position as Secretary of State for Scotland is also at risk, as well as his seat.

He told the Peeblesshire News: “Obviously, I am very disappointed that it is proposed that the constituency I will have represented for 15 years is going to be split by 2020.

“I believe Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale has worked well and it has been an honour and privilege to be the local MP, but I also recognise changing boundaries is a complex matter and want to reflect on what the alternatives might be to what is proposed.

“I support the reduction to the number of MPs, which will make Parliament more efficient and cost-effective, of which the inevitable consequence will be boundary changes,” he added.

“There is now a public consultation process, which I urge everybody locally and across Scotland to take part in to see what revised proposals might be brought forward by the Boundary Commission.”

Innerleithen would be moved to the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk area in the revamp.

The plans are still at an early stage and a public consultation will run until January 11.

Lord Matthews, deputy chairman of the Boundary Commission for Scotland, said: “New rules mean that the number of constituencies in Scotland will reduce from 59 to 53, and each mainland constituency must have broadly the same number of electors. 

“We have set out proposals which do that and are, we believe, a good implementation of the rules set by Parliament.

“This is the start of a process, and we now want to hear the views of the public,” he added.

“We will reflect on responses to the consultation and make changes if needed where the legislation allows us to do so. 

“We will be running a number of public events across the country in the coming weeks and hope that voters will make their views heard.”

Midlothian and Peebles was a constituency from 1950 to 1955, but was replaced with the current format. 

UK Government Minister for the Constitution, Chris Skidmore said: “Our democracy and parliamentary system need to represent everyone equally.

That’s why the independent Boundary Commission for Scotland is proposing measures to achieve equal sized constituencies that will ensure an equal say for each voter. 

“At the same time it’s important to take this opportunity to cut the cost of politics, saving £66 million over the course of a Parliament by reducing the number of MPs.

“We are committed to ensuring fair and equal representation for the voting public across the UK is in place by the next general election.”

A public hearing will take place on Wednesday, December 7 at the Melting Pot, Rose Street, Edinburgh and will be chaired by Sheriff Principal Stephen.

You can also submit your views at: www.bcs2018.org.uk