With Watford’s constituency set to shrink by more than 10,000 voters, here is how changes might shake-up elections.

At the 2019 general election the constituency had an 83,359-strong electorate, but the boundary commission wanted to keep every MP representing less than 77,062 voters.

A new constituency boundary was made with just 70,576 voters.

Watford Observer: Proposed (green) and existing (blue) constituency boundariesProposed (green) and existing (blue) constituency boundaries (Image: Boundary Commission)

The constituency was previously made up of the 12 wards that make up Watford Borough Council, along with Abbots Langley, Leavesden, parts of Gade Valley, Oxhey Hall, and Carpenders Park.

Under the new boundaries the Watford Borough Council wards will stay part of Watford, but the extra areas would be removed.

To keep the area above the 69,724 minimum, Bushey North, currently part of the Hertsmere parliamentary constituency, will be added.

Both South West Hertfordshire and Hertsmere voted Conservative by much larger margins than Watford, although most of the removed wards, as well as Bushey North, are represented by Liberal Democrat councillors.

Watford Observer: Dean RussellDean Russell

Watford MP Dean Russell said he was “obviously deeply disappointed and saddened” to lose parts of his constituency, but he was “delighted” to welcome Bushey North in.

“Of course, the changes do not come into effect until the election so I will continue to support the whole constituency, which to date has included completing well over 20,000 pieces of casework helping thousands of individuals, families and businesses across our town,” he added.

Labour’s candidate for the next election, Matt Turmaine, said: “Nationally this boundary review works against Labour.

“However, here in Watford the changes actually favour Labour, because a large area of Tory territory has been removed, by the independent boundary commission.”

He added that “whatever they say”, the Liberal Democrats are “out of the running”, claiming it remained a Labour/Conservative marginal seat.

Ian Stotesbury, who will be the Liberal Democrat candidate, said: “The Liberal Democrats won 10 of the 13 wards in the new Watford seat in May this year.

“This new seat is very different to the previous constituency. Five wards are leaving the seat and Bushey North is coming in, which is a very strong area for the Liberal Democrats.”