Labour MP Cat Smith announces election plans as seat to be carved up

A sitting Lancashire MP has announced plans to stand in a newly created constiuency at the next General Election.

Labour MP Cat Smith currently represents Lancaster and Fleetwood but that territory is set to be carved up under the new boundaries. Ms Smith was first elected in 2015 and has successfully defended her seat at two elections.

The Boundary Commission plans mean that the town of Fleetwood will join the new Blackpool North and Fleetwood constituency, and the Lune Valley will form part of the new Morecambe seat. The Scale Hall and Skerton areas of Lancaster, along with Garstang, Great Eccleston and other rural areas will form part of the Lancaster and Wyre constituency.

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It means the current seat will be split across three new constituencies, with two thirds falling in what will be the new Lancaster and Wyre area. Announcing her plans, the MP said: “I am a Lancaster lass and my roots are here. have lived in the city since I was a student at Lancaster University, my son was born at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and goes to school here in Lancaster.

“I live, work and raise my family in the city, and I love being part of our community. Not a week goes by where I don’t enjoy a trip to Williamson Park or Fairfield with my son, knocking on doors to speak to residents, or visiting local businesses and community groups to celebrate this wonderful and diverse place.”

Ms Smith continued “There are so many people who I will miss working closely with in Fleetwood and the Lower Lune Valley, and they are an integral part of everything that has been achieved. The thing I am most proud of is my successful campaign to bring back Fleetwood’s rail link, which the Department for Transport has now agreed to fund. This is a massive win for the residents of Fleetwood. Getting the town back on track will have a positive impact on the employment and investment opportunities for decades to come.”