East Lothian Labour
Commenting on the provisional proposals for changes to the Scottish Parliamentary constituency boundaries, which include moving Prestonpans into the Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency, Iain Gray, Chair of East Lothian Labour Party said:
“The proposed Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency is a mishmash of communities, the only one to cover three different council areas. This appears to be purely about making the numbers add up.
“The plans fail to recognise and respect the natural links between communities and the importance of being able to effectively represent the views of voters and geographic communities at Holyrood.
“We will be urging Boundaries Scotland to reconsider its flawed proposals for these two constituencies and find a way of retaining Prestonpans with its neighbouring communities in East Lothian.”
Martin Whitfield MSP said:
“Local people will be baffled by the proposals for the revised East Lothian and Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituencies, which are potentially hugely disruptive for local residents and organisations.
“Splitting the Preston, Seton & Gosford ward by removing Prestonpans would cause further division and confusion and drive a coach and horses through historic local community ties between the town and the rest of the county.
“Local communities would not consider this a minor change to the boundaries and the provisional proposals must be looked at again and amended to keep Prestonpans in the East Lothian constituency.”