COLUMN: Change is coming for local MPs

IN HIS latest column for The Correspondent, Andrew Gwynne MP discusses how the times are a-changing, along with the constituency he represents.

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IN MAY 2005, I walked into Parliament for the first time as the Member of Parliament for Denton and Reddish.

I still remember that moment like it was yesterday. The ornate ceiling in central lobby, the sound of big ben, sitting for the first time on those green benches in the House of Commons Chamber.

What I remember most vividly, however, is the sense of responsibility that washed over me.

I had been elected to represent the community I called home. No matter what, I would never forget that privilege.

18 years on, and I still feel that responsibility in my bones. I have loved representing Denton and Reddish and am enormously proud of everything that has been achieved locally.

But things are changing – as a result of new boundary changes, the Denton and Reddish constituency is being abolished.

The Audenshaw and Dukinfield wards will go into the Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, Reddish North and South will move into the Stockport constituency and the three Denton wards will be joined with Gorton and Abbey Hey, Longsight, Levenshulme and Burnage in the city of Manchester to form a brand new Gorton and Denton constituency.

I am very excited to announce that I’ll be standing as the Labour Party’s candidate to become the Member of Parliament for the new Gorton and Denton seat.

This new seat will encompass gorgeous green spaces including the Tame Valley and Debdale Park, and also the hubbub of Longsight and Levy Markets and the burgeoning ‘Destination Denton’.

Of course, it is sad to see the Denton and Reddish seat – which has existed for 40 years – abolished, and to know that after the next General Election I will no longer serve Audenshaw, Dukinfield and Reddish.

However, the Boundary Commission’s proposals have been made after extensive consultation with MPs and local representatives.

I’m satisfied that these changes are the most sensible way of meeting the new boundary regulations without unduly impacting the character of communities across Tameside.

I want to make it clear though, that until the next General Election, I remain the MP for Denton and Reddish, and wholeheartedly committed to the job I have been elected to do.

I will continue to work tirelessly to be a strong voice for Denton and Reddish until the next General Election, and afterwards when I stand to be the Member of Parliament for Gorton and Denton.