The Faversham and Mid Kent seat held by the Conservative MP Helen Whatley could disappear under a boundary review.

The seat is one of a number earmarked to go in a review of constituencies aimed at curbing the number of MPs in order to cut costs.

The constituency was earmarked to go in an earlier review which was sidelined in 2013.

But Labour and the Liberal Democrats teamed up to thwart that shake-up.

If agreed, the new plan could take effect at the next election.

It would mean Kent's 18 constituencies would be reduced to 17, with Faversham merging with Canterbury.

The review would also see high-profile MPs like Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Brexit minister David Davis lose their seats.

"I'm honoured to represent Faversham and Mid Kent" - MP Helen Whately

Helen Whately told Kent Online this morning: "It's a glorious constituency, stretching from the historic market town of Faversham, across the North Downs, to the low weald, Headcorn and Boughton Monchelsea.

"I hold my surgeries in beautiful medieval villages like Lenham and Bearsted, and in new community centres built to support growing populations on the edges of Maidstone and Faversham.

"Some of the pleasure of the job is representing such different communities and being an advocate for all my constituents.

"It's sad that the Boundary Commission's draft proposals would split up the Faversham and Mid Kent constituency - but the rationale behind the review is to make all parliamentary constituencies a similar size, so each person's vote carries the same weight.

"There is now a consultation period, so people can give their views on the proposals. Meanwhile, I will keep on working hard for everyone across Faversham and Mid Kent.”

The number of MPs would be cut from 533 to 501 in England, from 40 to 29 in Wales, from 59 to 53 in Scotland and from 18 to 17 in Northern Ireland.

The reorganisation means other Kent seats will be largely the same with some minor changes.

A public consultation will now take place and a final decision will be made in 2018.

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Kent's proposed boundaries

Ashford CC* 71, 303

Canterbury and Faversham CC 72,011

Chatham and The Mallings CC 75,494

Dartford CC 72,180

Dover CC 76,650

Folkestone and Hythe CC 77,333

Gillingham and Rainham BC** 75,283

Gravesham CC 76,583

High Weald CC 74,102

Maidstone CC 71,284

North Kent Coastal CC 75,023

Rochester and Strood CC 78,455

Sevenoaks CC 76,611

Sittingbourne and Sheppey CC 75,638

Thanet East BC 78,130

Tonbridge and The Weald CC 71,575

Tunbridge Wells CC 73,871

*County Constituency

**Borough Constituency

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