NEW proposals to reshape the region’s parliamentary constituencies appear to have won cross-party support, just as they seem doomed never to be implemented.

Charged with cutting the number of MPs from 650 to 600, the Boundary Commission has been working on redrawing the UK’s political map for over a year, staging two public consultations and publishing two sets of proposals.

Initially, it suggested sweeping changes in the North-East and North Yorkshire, including a constituency stretching from Teesdale to Northumberland and another linking Yarm and Newton Aycliffe.

Now it has published new proposals, with many of the most controversial plans dropped.

MPs Ian Swales (Liberal Democrat, Redcar), Helen Goodman (Labour, Bishop Auckland) and Roberta Blackman-Woods (Labour, Durham City) all said the latest suggestions were more sensible than those made previously.

James Wharton (Conservative, Stockton South) said it was much better and the Commission had listened to local concerns.

However, in retaliation for the Conservatives withdrawing their support for House of Lords reform, the Lib Dems have pledged to derail the boundary reforms when they reach Parliament, meaning the 2015 General Election will likely be fought on the same constituencies we have now.

The Commission is legally required to complete its review but, following the Lib Dem declaration, Labour has branded the exercise a huge waste of public money. Dr Blackman-Woods said it had cost £7.5m.

Mr Swales, however, said it was important to ensure the proposals made sense, as they would likely form the basis of any changes implemented by future governments.

Consultation on the latest proposals has begun and runs until Monday, December 10. Durham County Council is set to debate the issue on Wednesday.

A final vote is expected in Parliament in October next year.

Under the latest proposals, briefly: North West Durham constituency would include Weardale, Lanchester and Consett; Bishop Auckland would include the town and much of Teesdale; Darlington would include Middleton St George, Sadberge and Whessoe; Deerness Valley would remain in Durham City; Redcar would gain Saltburn and Beckfield; and Stockton North and Aycliffe would include the County Durham wards of Aycliffe North, East and South and Sedgefield.

For more information, visit consultation.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk