'Waterloo needs a Lambeth MP': pensioners launch petition to Boundary Commission

The Boundary Commission for England published its initial proposals in September and the current period of public consultation ends on 5 December.

Under the proposals, Bishop's ward (part of the borough of Lambeth) would be tacked on to the parliamentary constituency covering north Southwark to create a new Bermondsey & Waterloo seat.

Bishop's ward – which covers the South Bank and Waterloo – is currently part of the Vauxhall constituency represented by Labour's Kate Hoey MP.

Those speaking against the proposals at recent public hearings held by the Boundary Commission include Iain Tuckett of Coin Street Community Builders, Simon Hughes MP and Ted Inman of South Bank Employers' Group.

The petition was drawn up by a small meeting of local residents held at Waterloo Action Centre and the idea came from participants in over-60s activities.

The petition reads: "We, as Waterloo residents, oppose the parliamentary Boundary Commission proposal that Waterloo (in Lambeth) should in future share an MP with a constituency which is 91 per cent in Southwark.

"Council, police and primary healthcare services come from Lambeth. We need an MP who focuses on Lambeth.

"In Waterloo, we work hard to keep this a friendly community, in which we pull together to improve the environment and deliver services. Successive MPs have been a crucial element in our effort.

"We still need a Lambeth-oriented MP who can fully identify with the community to which we relate.

"Waterloo residents do not want to be the poor relation on the boundaries of decision making."

• Petition sheets can be downloaded here [PDF]. Completed sheets should be returned to Holly c/o Waterloo Action Centre.