PROPOSALS for a big shake-up of Cumbria's parliamentary constituency boundaries have been put forward.

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

Kendal would fall into a 'Westmorland and Eden' constituency also encompassing Penrith, while Carnforth would move from Morecambe and Lunesdale into the new 'Morecambe and South Lakeland' area.

Grange would move from Westmorland and Lonsdale into the Barrow and Furness constituency, which already exists under that name.

Public opinion is being sought on the proposals as part of an eight-week consultation process.

The suggestions have been put forward by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE), an advisory, non-departmental government body which is sponsored by the Cabinet Office.

The BCE says the aim of the shake-up is to ensure the number of electors in each constituency in the country is more equal. The number of constituencies will rise from 533 to 543.

PROPOSALS: The new boundares. Picture: Boundary Commision for England

PROPOSALS: The new boundaries. Picture: Boundary Commission for England

Tim Bowden, secretary to the BCE, 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 to give their opinions.