PLANS to create 16 “super constituencies” for the 2026 Senedd election have been unveiled.

The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru published initial proposals to redraw Wales’ political map, replacing the current 40 constituencies and five regions.

In 2026, the Senedd will expand from 60 to 96 members and adopt a new electoral system, with the 32 constituencies used in July’s Westminster general election paired to create 16.

The boundary commission has proposed the following constituencies which would each be represented by six Senedd members:

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 East and North

Cardiff West, South and Penarth

Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend

Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr would stretch from the coast to the border, with the commission saying such a large constituency is not ideal but the best option.

In the full 51-page report, the commission sets out the criteria for the 2026 boundary review, including local ties, shared history, the Welsh language and socio-economic considerations.

Ynys Môn and Dwyfor Meirionnydd, for example, was not considered viable because it is not possible to travel by road from one to the other without entering Bangor Aberconwy.

A four-week consultation has opened seeking people’s views on the........

© South Wales Argus