Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond has been accused of sitting on the fence over parliamentary boundary reforms by a campaigner leading a revolt against the changes.

Tristan Gadsby, 37, set up an online petition to make people aware of the Boundary Commission’s plans, which would see parts of Abbey ward, New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon station and Wimbledon police station fall into the Mitcham constituency.

Mr Gadsby, a company director for a technology consultancy firm, said he, and many others, believed the changes were wrong and was encouraging residents to write to the commission before December 5.

He said: “We don’t believe there are clear grounds for change and for the residents there are certainly no benefits.

"I think we’re better sticking with the current boundaries.”

Last week, Mr Hammond wrote a letter to the Boundary Commission expressing his extreme disappointment at seeing his constituency potentially broken up.

But as of Friday, he had not signed Mr Gadsby’s online petition, which had attracted more than 550 signatures.

He said: “He’s in a very difficult position. Whichever way he goes he will offend current voters or potential voters.

“But he really must represent the constituents of the seat he currently holds – and those people feel very strongly about this issue.”

Mr Gadsby and Mr Hammond do agree on the importance local people’s voices could have in influencing the Boundary Commission’s final decision.

In an open letter to residents on his website, Mr Hammond stressed how residents’ opinions could matter more in the commission’s eyes than his own views.

Mr Gadsby said: “There is a good chance of altering the changes because they have said they will listen to our concerns and I hope they are true to their word.”

Mr Hammond said: “We have no record of receiving a letter from Mr Gadsby.

“I have received 180 letters on the matter and replied to each one individually.

“I have written to the Boundary Commission to express my disappointment. If I had wanted to avoid the issue then I wouldn’t have written.

“Remember we are only at the start of this process. After December 5 people have another chance to have their say next year.”

On signing the petition he said: “Generally I don’t sign any petitions or early day motions. I write to the minister instead.”

For more on the petition visit petitions.merton.gov.uk/epetition_core/community/ petition/40

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