New political map proposed for Havering (Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2020)
South Hornchurch would be split into two wards, creating a Beam Park ward, under proposals from the Local Government Boundary Commission of England (LGBCE).
Similarly, the changes would see Romford Town divided into St Alban’s and St Edwards’s wards.
The majority of areas will still be represented by three councillors each while Beam Park, Emerson Park, Hacton, South Hornchurch and St Alban’s will only have two.
Some wards are going to be renamed with Havering Park becoming Havering-Atte-Bower and Pettits switching to Marshalls & Rise Park.
Rush Green would also be known as Rush Green & Crowlands while Hylands is going to be known as Hylands & Harrow Lodge.
It is hoped the new boundaries will allow Havering Council to work more effectively, as all wards will represent about the same number of electors.
The LGBCE’s final report has been published nearly a year after the leader of Havering Council, Cllr Damian White, was accused of gerrymandering.
A secret recording was released of Cllr White discussing ways in which he could manipulate ward boundary changes to make them “politically advantageous” to his Conservative party.
In theory, an area which voted for an opposition party could be split into two and attached to two other wards with a large amount of Conservative voters.
The LGBCE’s first proposals suggested removing part of Corbets Tey from the Upminster ward and putting it into the Rainham one.
More than 500 people raised concerns about the allegations and proposed changes during a public consultation between July and October 2020.
This led to the LGBCE holding a second consultation before publishing a revised plan. It is an independent body and the most recent proposals did not take the accusations into account.
Cllr Linda Hawthorn, leader of the Upminster & Cranham Residents Association, said: “It was ridiculous to ever think that Corbets Tey was part of Rainham, they are part of Upminster and our history.”
Leader of the opposition, Cllr Ray Morgon, said: “Despite the leader of Havering Council trying to “gerrymander” the process, the voices of the residents and our robust challenge has ensured the best scrutiny and outcomes”.
Ultimately, local people and organisations made nearly 1,000 comments to help shape the changes.
Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the LGBCE, said all views were taken into consideration.
He said, “We are very grateful to people in Havering. They helped us improve our earlier proposals.
“We believe the new arrangements will guarantee electoral fairness while maintaining local ties.”
If Parliament approves the changes, they will apply to next year’s local elections.
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Tags: Havering, Politics, Havering Council
