The proposed changes for new constituency boundaries in Wales have been outlined ahead of the next Senedd election in 2026. The plans include creating 16 constituencies by merging the current 32 Westminster seats, with each seat to have six MSs. The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has unveiled initial proposals detailing the new boundaries for Wales’ Senedd constituencies. Here is a breakdown of each area and the reasons behind their combination.
The Bangor Aberconwy Ynys Môn constituency has been formed by merging Bangor Aberconwy and Ynys Môn due to their road connections. Clwyd has been created by combining Clwyd East and Clwyd North to streamline the boundaries. Alyn, Deeside, and Wrexham constituency emerged from merging Alyn and Deeside with Wrexham to reflect their shared character and transport links.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire, and Glynd?r constituency resulted from uniting Dwyfor Meirionnydd with Montgomeryshire and Glynd?r to enhance connectivity. Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire constituency merged Ceredigion Preseli with Mid and South Pembrokeshire to unite the council areas. Carmarthenshire combines Caerfyrddin with Llanelli to streamline the constituency.
Swansea West and Gower were combined to link the two Swansea council areas seamlessly. Brecon, Radnor, Neath, and Swansea East constituency unites diverse areas to ensure effective representation. Aberafan Maesteg, Rhondda, and Ogmore constituency brings together valleys communities to create a cohesive area.
Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare, and Pontypridd constituency unites areas in Rhondda Cynon Taf council. Blaenau Gwent, Rhymney, and Caerphilly combine areas in Caerphilly council for better representation. Monmouthshire and Torfaen merge the entire council areas into one constituency for stronger coherence.
Newport and Islwyn consolidate the Newport council area into a single constituency. Cardiff East and North merge the northeast Cardiff council, including Taffs Well from Rhondda Cynon Taf. Cardiff West, South, and Penarth unify parts of Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Vale of Glamorgan. Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend combine areas with similar characteristics for efficient representation.
These proposed constituency changes aim to streamline and enhance representation at the next Senedd election in 2026, creating more cohesive regions for effective governance.