Historic county poised to return to English map six decades after being abolished

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The new authority would incorporate approximately 20 square miles of territory that had formed part of Middlesex before administrative boundaries were redrawn in 1965.The campaign for the name change has been spearheaded by the Association of British Counties, an organisation established in 1989 by television astrologer Russell Grant.The group maintains that residents of Spelthorne have never identified with Surrey and deserve recognition of their millennium-long connection to Middlesex.A spokesman for the association stated: Since 1965, the people of the Spelthorne area of Middlesex have suffered the indignity of being under a local authority absurdly called 'Surrey County Council'.But with the abolition of Surrey county council in April 2027, it is time to right this historic wrong and to bring the Middlesex identity of Spelthorne to the fore, the spokesman added.The association argues that the proud Middlesex towns and villages within the proposed authority's boundaries should have their heritage properly acknowledged in the council's official title.Middlesex existed as a formal county from the 10th century, having emerged from the territory of the Middle Saxons who settled in Britain long before the Norman Conquest. The county was abolished in 1965, with the majority of its land absorbed into Greater London while a small section around Staines and Shepperton was transferred to Surrey.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSCouncil forced to pay back thousands after overcharging restaurants to put tables outsideTeacher banned after 'sharing inappropriate details' about drunken hen nightNeighbour row erupts over newbuild six-bed mansion after homeowner ordered to demolish it TWICEThe matter was raised in Parliament by Lincoln Jopp, the Conservative MP for Spelthorne, who told the Commons: I have received a huge number of representations from constituents who would like the Secretary of State to consider calling that unitary authority West Surrey and South Middlesex, to take account of the fact that Spelthorne has been in Middlesex for 1,000 years and has never really thought of itself as being in Surrey.Mr Reed responded: I am always happy to consider proposals made by the honourable gentleman, and I will ensure that he gets an appropriate meeting on the point that he has raised, either with me or one of my fellow ministers.Middlesex Heritage, another group championing the cause, submitted its views during a public consultation on the matter. Mr Grant, who founded the organisation, explained that Spelthorne's distinct identity stems partly from its position north of the River Thames, which has served as the ancient boundary between Middlesex and Surrey since Saxon times.He noted: Culturally, many clubs and organisations are parented to Middlesex county groups and associations.Mr Grant added: Our group backs the idea that the new unitary council be named West Surrey and South Middlesex council, which recognises the new authority's area covering parts of two proud historic counties, namely Surrey and Middlesex.The ultimate decision on the council's name will be taken following elections for the first councillors in May. The new authority is scheduled to assume its responsibilities in 2028.However, Middlesex is not the only part of the country pushing for changes to the 1965 boundary review.Reform's Romford MP Andrew Rosindell continues to campaign for the London borough of Havering to return to Essex. In a social media post last month, Mr Rosindell said: Havering can and should return to being independent from City Hall control and become a fully unitary authority once again. Unlike now, we should only pay for the services we actually receive. The Freedom Pass we already pay millions for separately, it is not given to us by the Mayor of London. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter