New political map for Essex County Council

A new political map for Essex County Council

Essex is set to have new boundaries for its council divisions.

Proposed divisions for Essex County Council

Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2023

High resolution map available at: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/essex

The Local Government Boundary Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It has reviewed Essex to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that division arrangements will help the council work effectively. 

The Commission has published final recommendations for changes in Essex. It says residents should be represented by 78 councillors. This is three more than currently.

There will be 78 single-member divisions. Most division boundaries will change.

Publishing the recommendations Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said:

“We are very grateful to people in Essex. We looked at all the views they gave us. They helped us improve our earlier proposals. 

We believe the new arrangements will deliver electoral fairness while maintaining local ties.” 

171 people and organisations made comments to help decide the new divisions. Changes in response to what local people said include: 

• Re-shaping divisions to the south of Colchester in response to local evidence on community identity 

• Changes to Brentwood Hutton and Brentwood South divisions, in order to respect the community identity of West Horndon parish

The Commission has made further changes to its earlier proposals. Details can be found on its website at: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/essex. 

The changes become law once Parliament has approved them. Staff at the local councils will ensure that the arrangements are in place for the 2025 elections. 

Ends/

Notes to editors: 

This consultation relates to arrangements for local government elections. It is separate from the review of parliamentary constituencies that has recently concluded.

For further information contact the Commission’s press office on 0330 500 1525 / 1250 or email press@lgbce.org.uk 

An interactive map is available at: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/essex 

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body accountable to Parliament. It recommends fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. In doing so, it aims to:

• Make sure that, within an authority, each councillor represents a similar number of electors

• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities

• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances

• Reflect the request for single-member divisions