How the proposed Southgate & Barnet East constituency differs from the current Enfield Southgate constituency (this map has no official status - click on the map to enlarge)
The Boundaries Commission for England has published its initial proposals for new parliamentary constituencies drawn up in the course of the "2023 Review". They are out for consultation until 2nd August this year.
In a break from previous practice where London boroughs are concerned, around half of the 75 constituencies proposed for the GLA area cross borough boundaries. This is because the relevant act of parliament specified that variation in the number of voters between constituencies should be kept within tight limits and that this should take precedence over paying attention to local government boundaries.
Under the initial proposals, Palmers Green will fall within a new Southgate & Barnet East constituency. Compared to the current Enfield Southgate constituency, its centre of gravity will be shifted slightly to the west and it will incorporate two wards in the London Borough of Barnet. Some areas in the east of the current constituency (the eastern parts of Palmers Green and Bowes wards in their current form) will move into a redrawn Edmonton constituency.
However, these new proposals are less drastic than those made by the Boundaries Commission in 2017, when it was drawing up boundaries for a House of Commons with 50 fewer members - the plan to introduce a 300-seat HoC has since been abandoned. Under the 2017 proposals the Palmers Green area would have been split between three constituencies: Edmonton; Finchley & Enfield Southgate; and Hornsey & Wood Green.
The Enfield & Barnet East constituency boundaries are based on those of the new Enfield wards that will come into force in 2022. All streets in the current Palmers Green and Winchmore Hill wards to the east of the New River will become part of a new Highfield ward and under the latest proposals Highfield ward will be in the Edmonton constituency.
Enfield & Barnet East will incorporate the following London Borough of Enfield wards:- Cockfosters
- Oakwood
- Southgate
- Winchmore Hill
- Palmers Green
- Arnos Grove
Plus two wards from the London Borough of Barnet:
- East Barnet
- Brunswick Park
