Wiltshire MPs have shared their reactions to the “radical” boundary changes proposed for the county’s constituencies (CC).

The proposals, released by the Boundary Commission this week, show dramatic changes to the political makeup of Wiltshire for the coming 2023 general election.

This does mean redrawing and renaming some seats – and in Wiltshire there would be some big shake ups of county constituencies.

The changes will now be out for consultation for the next eight weeks with the promise of more information by autumn.

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Danny Kruger, who currently represents the Devizes constituency, was “surprised” by the dramatic changes.

Under the current proposals, Devizes would instead become part of a Melksham & Devizes constituency area alongside Corsham, Bradford on Avon and Melksham. 

The county constituency also takes over a lot of wards previously held within the Chippenham area. 

Meanwhile, the proposed redraw of the Chippenham constituency proposes to take over Bromham, Rowde and Roundway from the previous Devizes CC. 

The area would also comprise of Calne and Royal Wootton Bassett wards. 

Some parts of North Wiltshire will also form the makeup of the Cirencester and North Wiltshire CC including areas such as Malmesbury, Brinkworth and Cricklade. 

South West Wiltshire would keep much of its former makeup but will be renamed as the Trowbridge and Warminster CC.

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Mr Kruger said: “I’m surprised to see how radical these proposals are and my initial reaction is dismay that Devizes could be cut off from Marlborough, Pewsey and Tidworth.”

Dr Andrew Murrison said he was considering the proposals carefully, and added: “Whilst it’s plan to combine Wiltshire and Gloucestershire as a sub regional for the purposes of carving out constituencies of approximately equal size was unexpected and is a historic departure, I will study the initial proposals in depth before finalising a view.”

“I’ll examine the plans closely and consult constituents on what representations to make to the Boundary Commission.”

North Wiltshire MP, James Gray said: “I would obviously be very sorry to lose a much loved part of my constituency – namely Royal Wootton Bassett, Calne and villages.”