Objections to West Lothian Holyrood boundary changes

Boundaries Scotland are currently carrying out a review of Scottish Parliament boundaries, and have put forward a proposal which would see Fauldhouse and Whitburn moved to a shared constituency with North Lanarkshire for Holyrood elections.
 
The proposals would also see West Lothian moved out of the current Lothian Region for selecting list MSPs, and placed into the Central Scotland region. 
 
Council Executive unanimously agreed to object to the proposals, on the grounds that the proposals do not reflect historic, social, employment, transport or geographical links between the communities concerned.
 
Please note the proposals, if approved, would only affect the Scottish Parliament constituency boundaries, so current West Lothian Council local authority boundaries and UK Parliamentary constituency boundaries would be unaffected.
 
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "An objection will be sent to Boundaries Scotland on behalf of the council, over their most recent proposals affecting Scottish Parliament constituencies and region in West Lothian.
 
"Whilst everyone appreciates the challenging job Boundaries Scotland face trying to re-balance constituencies across Scotland, these proposals in their current form would be detrimental to West Lothian as they disregard existing community ties.
 
"Fauldhouse and Whitburn have much stronger links to the rest of West Lothian and wider Lothians area, rather than parts of North Lanarkshire. Similarly, West Lothian has stronger ties to the rest of the Lothian area rather than the communities in the Central Region.
 
"Anyone who wishes to see the proposals in more detail, or submit their own individual comments regarding them, can do so via Boundary Commission (opens new window).  The consultation is open until 26 October 2024."