Conservatives ponder further cuts to Scottish MPs

The Conservatives have reiterated policy plans to cut 10 percent of MPs and set a fixed UK electoral quota as part of their parliamentary reforms.

Should he become the next prime minister, David Cameron plans to push for a constituency boundary review which could save up to £15 million in public funds.

Speaking to The Journal, Lucy Gilchrist, head of Westminster communications for the Conservative party, said: “If we win the general election, we would like to cut the number of MPs in Westminster. In accordance with this, it would entail an average UK constituency size in the region of 77,000.”

If the plans are made a reality, it would affect Scottish constituency boundaries. Based on Scottish government figures from 2006 the average voting age constituency population is 71,102. An average constituency population of 77,000 could mean that five of Scotland's 59 MPs could be cut.

The cuts are expected to negatively affect Labour heartlands in Scotland and Wales.

The Conservatives have promised to seek independent expert advice from the Boundary Commission, which normally undertakes a review every eight to 12 years.

“We are sensitive to the complexities of the issue, such as how to represent the Highlands and Islands effectively, and also to the fact that the size of seats in Scotland has already been increased to English levels [in 2005],” said Ms Gilchrist.

Mr Cameron announced the plans to "end the wide disparities between UK constituencies" by implementing a fixed electoral quota, with room for marginal differences.

The SNP's have criticised the plans saying that “boundaries do not win elections”.

SNP Westminster candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, Calum Cashley, told The Journal: “This debacle exposes the anomaly of Scottish boundaries being decided in London by parties for whom Scotland is of secondary importance."

The reform plans come three weeks after an independent campaign group Power2010 held a deliberative poll in London for members of the public to vote on reform pledges.

The pledges were initially submitted by members of the public before a cross section of the population discussed the best and most realistic changes that should be made.

These changes, which include fixed parliamentary terms, removal of whips and increased scrutiny powers are being held to a pubic vote on the campaigns website.

Guy Aitchinson, a campaigner for Power2010, said: “At the height of the expenses scandal last year Cameron spoke fine words about giving 'power to the powerless'. But with the general election in sight and power within his grasp, all we are offered now are these populist and cosmetic changes that will do nothing to address the fundamental imbalances of power in our society."