Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the decision by the Electoral Commission to change the name of the Henley constituency to Henley and Thame constituency.
The addition of Thame in the constituency name reflects better the balance of electors across the constituency.
There are now 9,824 electors in Thame, while Henley-On-Thames has 8,904.
Freddie van Mierlo, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Henley and Thame constituency said, “Many people we speak to in places like Thame and Chinnor say they feel little connection to Henley-on-Thames. The new name reflects better the large geographic size of the constituency and the importance of Thame as a population centre.”
Pieter-Paul Barker, Thame District councillor and chair of the Liberal Democrats Henley and Thame local party said, “Our response to the Electoral Commission’s public consultation suggested including Thame in the constituency name. We’re pleased that the Electoral Commission has listened. Liberal Democrats are working hard in Thame and we will be making Thame a key part of our campaign to win the constituency.”
The Lib Dems came a strong second to the Conservatives at the last General Election and are aiming to win the new Henley & Thame constituency. They won the popular vote across the constituency in the May local elections, polling 40% to the Conservatives 29%.
