A CONSERVATIVE MP has dismissed the suggestion that a proposed rejig of constituency boundaries in Cumbria could be viewed as a ‘Donald Trump-style power grab’ from his party.

Simon Fell was responding to criticism from Liberal Democrat councillor Will Clark.

Cllr Clark said the suggested new boundaries had been ‘poorly thought out’ and would have a ‘detrimental impact' on his own Lakes parish.

He stressed some might see the proposals, which are part of a national shake-up of constituencies, as an attempt to dissipate Westmorland and Lonsdale - the only seat in the county not currently held by the Conservative Party - in a move bringing to mind former US president Trump.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) says the suggested changes to boundaries would ensure the number of electors in each area was more equal.

Mr Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, rebuffed Cllr Clark’s claims.

He said: “I’d gently point out that the Boundary Commission is an independent body and that the only thing that reminds me about Donald Trump about this whole affair is an elected official complaining about a process because they don’t like the proposed outcome.”

The suggested rejig of borders would see Grasmere and Ambleside, currently in Westmorland and Lonsdale, become part of a ‘Copeland and the Western Lakes’ constituency.

Broughton and Kirkby, currently in the Barrow and Furness voting area, would also moved into this new, west Cumbrian constituency.

Grange would move from Westmorland and Lonsdale into Barrow and Furness.

Cllr Clark also said consideration needed to be given to ongoing proposals for the creation of a unitary authority incorporating south Cumbria.

He said: “Grasmere south of the A591 is included in the Morecambe Bay health trust and potentially the Morecambe Bay unitary authority and, for this reason, the chosen parliamentary boundary should align with this.

“It would be incredibly difficult to have any influence over the health and local political system if the future MP is much more invested in another.”

Tim Bowden, secretary to the BCE, previously said: “Each constituency we recommend is required by law to contain between 69,724 and 77,062 electors, meaning there will be significant change to current boundaries.”

Final recommendations will be presented to Parliament by July 2023.

People can visit bcereviews.co.uk in order to give their opinions.