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........