Initial Senedd expansion proposal published
Under the new plan, the current 40 constituencies and 5 regions will be replaced by 16 constituencies, each electing 6 Members of the Senedd
The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has unveiled its initial proposals for the new Senedd constituencies in Wales.
This marks a step toward electoral reform ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.
Under the new plan, the current 40 constituencies and 5 regions will be replaced by 16 constituencies, each electing 6 Members of the Senedd.
The proposals involve pairing Wales’ 32 UK parliamentary constituencies to form the new constituencies, taking into account factors like geography, local ties, and socio-economic considerations.
The 16 constituencies proposed by the Commission are:
- Bangor Aberconwy Ynys Môn
- Clwyd
- Alyn, Deeside and Wrexham
- Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
- Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire
- Carmarthenshire
- Swansea West and Gower
- Brecon, Radnor, Neath and Swansea East
- Aberafan Maesteg, Rhondda and Ogmore
- Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Pontypridd
- Blaenau Gwent, Rhymney and Caerphilly
- Monmouthshire and Torfaen
- Newport and Islwyn
- Cardiff West, South and Penarth
- Cardiff East and North
- Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend
Chief Executive of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, Shereen Williams MBE OStJ, believes they need to hear from the public before plans become confirmed.
She said:
“Today marks a very important step in the journey towards reforming the Senedd.
“At the 2026 Senedd election, our national parliament will be elected using an entirely new system, with entirely new constituencies.
“The Commission is confident that our initial proposals represent a very good first step in creating Wales’ 16 new Senedd constituencies, but we know from experience that these processes are always strengthened when we hear from the public.
“So we strongly encourage everyone to share their views with us, whether they support or oppose the proposals, so that we can go on to further strengthen the map ahead of the next election.”
Revised proposals are expected in December 2024, followed by a final decision in March 2025.