by political editor Paul Francis

The political map of Kent is to be redrawn - and it could mean the county ends up with fewer MPs.

A far-reaching review of parliamentary constituency boundaries is beginning following a decision to cut the number of English MPs at Westminster to 502 - 31 fewer than now.

Even if Kent does not end up losing any constituencies, there will be a potentially controversial re-drawing of existing boundaries as the government wants there to be a more even size for each seat.

The Boundary Commission says that the south east will have an allocation of 81 constituencies by the time the next election is fought - three fewer than now.

It will make its initial recommendations by the Autumn.

Announcing the review today, Simon James, the Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said: "Parliament has set the Commission clear rules about how many electors each constituency can have. The first stage of the review is for the Commission to come up with its provisional recommendations – we will be seeking views on these once they are published in the autumn. Everyone will have a chance to see and comment on the proposals."

Kent currently has 16 MPs, including three in Medway - among the largest number of any county in the region - and any recommendation to reduce that number is likely to be resisted by many.

Under the review, boundaries are to be redrawn so that each MP represents a constituency of about 76,641. Under the review, the size of the electorate must not be five per cent above or below that figure.