Proposals to reshape the boundaries of current parliamentary seats before the next general election have been published.

The new boundaries have been drawn up by independent bodies in England, Scotland and Wales on the assumption that the total number of MPs will be reduced from 650 to 600.

Several changes to existing constituencies in Hertfordshire – including Watford, St Albans and Hertsmere – have been put forward.

These include Watford gaining the South Oxhey ward, as well as parts of Oxhey Hall and Hayling, and Carpenders Park from South West Hertfordshire.

However these additions would make Watford too large so its Leavesden, Woodside, and Abbots Langley and Bedmond wards would be assimilated into the St Albans constituency.

Gade Valley – currently stretching across both Watford and St Albans – would become part of the Hemel Hempstead constituency, while London Colney would go from St Albans into Hertsmere.

It is currently unclear whether the House of Commons will support the plans after the last set of boundary proposals were rejected in 2013.

But if they do, the changes will take effect in 2022 – the scheduled date of the next general election.