A new political map for Wakefield Council

A new political map for Wakefield Council

Wakefield Council is set to have new boundaries for its council wards.

Proposed wards for Wakefield Council

Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2024

High resolution map available at: Wakefield | LGBCE

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

The Commission has published final recommendations for changes in Wakefield Council. It says residents should be represented by 63 councillors. This is the same as the current arrangements.

There will be 21 three-councillor wards. Most ward boundaries will change. 

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

“We are very grateful to people in Wakefield. 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.” 

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

• Changes to wards in Castleford area based on strong-community based local evidence 

• Renaming of Knottingley ward to Knottingley & Ferrybridge, to recognise the ward’s constituent communities

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/wakefield

The changes become law once Parliament has approved them. Staff at the council will ensure that the arrangements are in place for the 2026 elections. 

Ends/

Notes to editors: 

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/wakefield

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

• Reflect the electoral cycle so that each ward is represented by three councillors 

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

• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances