AS a public inquiry into proposals to change the political map of Cornwall got underway in Truro this week, MP Candy Atherton mourned the fact she would lose half of her current constituency if the plan went ahead.
The Parliamentary Boundary Commission is proposing to change the political make-up of the county by altering constituency borders in order to introduce a sixth MP.
The inquiry, conducted by the assistant commissioner, Mr Rhodri Price Lewis QC, started on Tuesday in the council chamber at county hall.
As Ms Atherton, currently MP for the Falmouth and Camborne constituency, prepared to speak at the inquiry she expressed her "deep sadness" that the commission proposes to split the existing constituency of Falmouth and Camborne, with Falmouth joining with Truro.
But she said the need for a sixth seat in Cornwall meant the changes were inevitable.
"Due to the increasing population, it seems inevitable that Cornwall will need another Westminster seat to make sure our representation in Parliament is fair.
"There are also important principles about using community links and natural boundaries to make the Boundary Commission's final decisions. I hope that many local people will come forward to give their views so the commission forms a clear picture of Cornwall's communities."
If the changes are given the go-ahead the Falmouth and Camborne constituency will lose Falmouth and Penryn and gain The Lizard.
The Truro and St Austell constituency, currently held by Lib Dem MP Matthew Taylor, will lose part of St Austell and gain Falmouth and Penryn.
The Helston and St Ives constituency, currently held by Lib Dem MP Andrew George, will lose The Lizard.
The changes, which will be implemented by the Boundary Commission, were first recommended in a report in June 2003, but will not come into force until after the next General Election.
The proposed move has generated more than 90 objections from constituents across the county.
But the commission says the county's current voter population of about 385,000 entitles it to a sixth MP.
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