The Liberal Democrats’ decision to scupper the boundary reforms gave them two advantages for 2015. The first was obvious: they would not lose the seats that the Boundary Commission would have scrapped. The second is that they – and Labour – were able to start selecting their candidates for the next general election on the basis of the existing boundaries a full year ahead of the Conservatives, who would continue to wait for parliament to approve those changes.
ConHome reveals today that Grant Shapps has changed that policy in order to prevent the Tories falling behind in their 2015 campaigning. The Conservatives will also use the existing constituency boundaries. He tells the site:
‘The Coalition agreement commits us to voting on the new boundaries, but that vote won’t take place for another year. In the meantime I’m absolutely determined to ensure that we get first-class candidates out and about, working for their communities and becoming known for their drive and passion.’
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