CUTTING the number of MPs by 50 was always going to cause an outcry, not least from the politicians being squeezed out as they begin to fight for their political lives.

Erdington Labour MP Jack Dromey and his Tory rival Robert Alden have already exchanged words over the shifting of a Sutton Coldfield ward into Erdington constituency which would make the traditional Labour stronghold a Tory target.

And five city Labour MPs, Ladywood’s Shabana Mahmood, Edgbaston’s Gisela Stuart, Hodge Hill’s Liam Byrne, Selly Oak’s Steve McCabe and Hall Green’s Roger Godsiff could be scrapping for four seats as Birmingham’s total is reduced from ten to nine.

The Boundary Commission, with a brief to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600 was always going to put political noses out.

But the Government may not have perhaps anticipated the strength of the outcry already from community groups who see their constituency as part of their area’s identity.

Most vocal are the residents of Wylde Green and Walmley in Sutton Coldfield, and Castle Bromwich, who may ultimately find themselves in Birmingham Erdington constituency.

There is also some concern from the half of Kingstanding which is being reclassified as Walsall South and Shard End which will be in the Meriden constituency.

Other wards swapping boundaries include the Soho area of Handworth, which will become part of a new Smethwick constituency, while Old Warley, which is nearer to Smethwick, is moving into Harborne. Sheldon becomes part of Solihull.

For the vast majority a change of MP may not be a massive issue, but some fear it could lead to a change of local authority and a challenge to local identity.

The last time constituencies were changed, for last year’s General Election, they were brought into line with council wards and boundaries, which generally follow communities.

Now it appears these restrictions have been torn up in favour of a numbers game.

In Wylde Green and Walmley petitions are being circulated and campaigns growing in a bid to stop the Sutton Newhall ward going into Birmingham.

Robert Mathieson, a committee member of the Wylde Green Neighbourhood Forum, admits the change is a nominal one, but is concerned at the creeping erosion of Sutton Coldfield’s identity and independence since it became part of Birmingham in 1974.

He said: “I have been resident in Sutton Coldfield for 76 years. I was born and brought up in the town. I may, therefore, be regarded as a true Suttonian.