Councillors in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) have raised concerns over proposed new Senedd constituencies that would see the region join with Ogmore, Aberafan, and Maesteg in one constituency. This comes as the Boundary Commission for Wales releases initial proposals for 16 new Senedd constituencies ahead of the 2026 elections. The changes stem from The Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill introduced by the Welsh Government.
At a recent meeting of the RCT overview and scrutiny committee, Councillor Will Jones expressed scepticism about the proposals. He joked that candidates may need a swimming qualification and elected members might need a boat to reach Cardiff Bay if certain roads are closed. Other councillors echoed concerns about the geographical challenges and disconnection between the proposed constituencies.
Councillor Craig Middle criticised the alignment with UK parliamentary boundaries, questioning the ability of MSs to effectively represent such diverse areas. Councillor Scott Emmanuel highlighted concerns about the lack of commonality between the proposed constituencies and the challenges of working across multiple local authorities and health boards.
Despite the need for more MSs to reflect the evolving functions of the Senedd, Councillor Gareth Hughes criticised the proposed constituencies as “absolutely bonkers”. This sentiment was reiterated by Councillor Gaynor Warren, who called for a more community-focused approach in linking MSs with smaller community areas.
The proposed changes have sparked a debate among councillors over the practicality and effectiveness of the new Senedd constituencies. Concerns have been raised about the lack of geographical coherence and the potential impact on local representation and community engagement. As discussions continue, councillors are advocating for a more thoughtful and community-driven approach to the redrawing of constituency boundaries.