The Next Westminster Election

saltire shield'Politics haven't changed, but the Labour party has changed dramatically. I came in on the left and, over the first two terms, gradually realised that politics without power were not worth having. You don't forsake principles and politics, but winning elections is very important.'
Ex Glasgow Cathcart MP, John Maxton, nephew of Red Clydsider Jimmy Maxton, 7 th June 2001.		Lion Rampant

The number of Scottish seats

Following the setting up of the Scottish parliament, the number of Scottish seats at Westminster will be reduced from 72 to 59 to correspond to the UK average of 67,000 electors per constituency.

The following table shows the numbers of Scottish MPs since the Union of 1707 as provided for by Act of Parliament or statutory instrument. Between 1944 to 1998 a minimum number of Scottish constituencies (71) was prescribed by Acts of Parliamenta. The Scotland Act 1998b removed the requirement that there be a minimum number of Scottish constituencies.

Year 1707c 1832d 1867e 1885f 1918g 1948h 1983i 1995j 2003k
Number of MPs 45 53 60 72 74 71 72 72 59
a The House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1944 (c 41) (Schedule 3 rule 1). The 1944 Act was repealed by House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1949 (c 66) which made identical provision in Schedule 2, rule 1. The 1949 Act was repealed by Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (c 56) which made identical provision in Schedule 2 rule 1(2).
b The requirement that there be a minimum number of Scottish constituencies (contained in Schedule 2, rule 1(2) of Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 was repealed by the Scotland Act 1998 (c 46) Schedule 9.
c Acts of Union Article XXII.
d Representation of the People (Scotland) Act 1832 (c 65). Numbers of MPs expressly increased. Constituencies set out.
e Representation of the People (Scotland) Act 1867 (c 48). No express increase in the numbers of MPs but re-organisation of constituencies led to a net increase in numbers.
f The Redistribution of Seats Act 1885 (c 23). No express increase in the numbers of MPs but re-organisation of constituencies led to a net increase in numbers.
g The Representation of the People Act 1918 (c 64). No express increase in the numbers of MPs but re-organisation of constituencies led to a net increase in numbers.
h The Representation of the People Act 1948 (c 65). No express decrease in the numbers of MPs but re-organisation of constituencies led to a net decrease in numbers..
i The Parliamentary Constituencies (Scotland) Order 1983 (SI 1983/422) made under the House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1949 (c66) section 3..
j The Parliamentary Constituencies (Scotland) Order (SI 1995/1037 (S 90)) made under the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (c 56) section 4.
k Boundary Commission for Scotland final recommendations in 2003.
Source: HM Stationary Office.

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