Hove MP Peter Kyle welcomes planned name change of constituency

Final plans unveiled by the Boundary Commission for England earlier this week revealed the area will become known as Hove and Portslade as part of a shake-up of the country’s political map.

The new name for the constituency would come into force in time for the next general election, expected to take place in 2024.

Hove MP Peter Kyle expressed hope that the constituency name change could help bring tourists and shoppers to the area (Image: Google Maps)

The Labour MP, along with two Labour councillors in Portslade, had long been campaigning for the suburb to be represented in the name of the constituency.

Mr Kyle, who serves as shadow Northern Ireland secretary, has long referred to himself as the MP for Hove and Portslade and expressed delight at the plans.

He said: “I’m over the moon that the commission have listened to me regarding adding Portslade into the name of the constituency.

“It’s been really important to me to lobby for this, along with Cllr Les Hamilton and Cllr Alan Robins in South Portslade, because we recognise that Portslade is a special and specific place in itself.

“I hope in a small way changing the name will help bring tourists and shoppers to the area, as well as get people to access the South Downs from there.

“Portslade has its own rhythm and community that is different to any other part of the city and the name change hopefully gives us all more pride in knowing, living and working in this beautiful area.”

Hove MP Peter Kyle said he was 'over the moon' by the proposed new name of his constituency

Mr Kyle had previously slammed initial plans to rename the constituency to Hove and Brighton West, saying the proposal put forward last year “failed to recognise the realities of life in Hove, Portslade and Hangleton”.

Part of the Elm Grove ward, including Pankhurst Avenue will see their MP change under the plans, with the area being moved from Brighton Pavilion to Brighton Kemptown.

The proposals also reverse initial plans to scrap the two separate Worthing constituencies, with East Worthing and Shoreham remaining unchanged by the boundary changes.

Worthing West will incorporate the nearby villages of Angmering, Hammerpot and Findon, with a new constituency being created to represent East Grinstead and Uckfield.