By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby
The leader of Somerset Council has slammed the “frustrating and strange” decision to delay a review into Somerset’s electoral boundaries.
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) has carried out a consultation on redrawing Somerset’s political map ahead of the 2027 local elections, reducing the number of councillors elected to Somerset Council from 110 to 96.
The commission carried out its initial round of consultation between early-June and mid-August and was expected to publish its final recommendations on 2nd December.
But the organisation has now delayed this report until March 2026, announcing a further round of consultation which will run from 25th November to 14th January 2026.
The LGBCE said that it was reopening the consultation because it had “initially and incorrectly, understood Somerset Council’s preference for predominantly single-councillor divisions” – when neither elected councillors nor senior officers had made any formal request along these lines.
Having single-councillor divisions would produce a very different electoral map to one which allows divisions represented by multiple councillors (which is the current model on which the council operates).
To “ensure fairness and transparency”, the LGBCE has reopened the consultation so that additional views can be aired – though people who have already made submissions do not need to re-submit them.
LGBCE chairman Professor Colin Mellors said, “We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to have their say on the future electoral arrangements for Somerset.
“Reopening the consultation ensures that all views, including any supporting multi-member divisions, can be properly considered.”
Council leader Bill Revans said he was baffled by the commission’s decision, arguing that it would not result in any new information being gathered.
Posting on his official Facebook page, he said, “While it is accepted that mistakes happen, all the submissions to the consultation included multi-member divisions.
“The chances of anyone being put off commenting by the LGBCE’s misunderstanding are infinitesimal.
“The cost of a new consultation and the delay in publishing the final boundaries makes this a frustrating and strange decision.”
Those wishing to take part in the consultation can do so via the following means: Visiting wwww.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/somerset, emailing reviews@lgbce.org.uk or posting a letter to Review Officer (Somerset), The Local Boundary Commission for England, 7th Floor, 3 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YZ
The commission will publish its final recommendations in March 2026, with the final boundaries being laid before Parliament to take effect before the local elections on 6th May.
Photos: Cllr Bill Revans
