ISLE of Wight MP Andrew Turner has claimed plans to split the Island into two constituencies are 'dead in the water’ after coalition Liberal Democrats dropped their backing for boundary changes.
Yesterday, Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg, said that because his hoped-for reforms of the House of Lords could not get Parliamentary support he would order his MPs to oppose the reforms in a vote planned for October next year.
Mr Turner said: "The plans for the House of Lords received heavy criticism from many quarters, including senior Lib Dem figures.
"I agree the Lords needs reform, but what Mr Clegg wanted was a massive increase in the power of political parties to appoint their favourites to parliament.
"This is not an increase in democracy, it is a new kind of political patronage."
He added: "Without Lib Dem support, it appears the boundary review is dead in the water. That will mean the Isle of Wight will remain as one constituency after the next election. Some people will welcome that, others will not."
For the full story, please see the Isle of Wight County Press, on Friday, August 10.
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk