With The Boundary Commission recently publishing their initial proposals on how Senedd constituencies will look in 2026, I wish to reiterate my opposition to these plans. I have consistently argued against them from the day they were announced by the Welsh Labour Government and voted against them at every opportunity.
The Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act has instructed the Commission to make recommendations for 16 constituencies to replace the current 40 constituencies and five regions. This will increase the number of Senedd members from 60 to 96. Six Senedd Members will be elected from each of the 16 constituencies using the D’Hondt method of voting. The boundary changes would see Brecon & Radnorshire merge with Swansea East and Neath. There will be more Ministerial posts, more Deputy Presiding Officers, and thinking more practically, potentially a new building required to house all these people?!
From day one, I have consistently argued against the expansion of the Senedd and use of the D’Hondt electoral system. Under this system, you vote for the party, not a candidate, whom you may never see them in a proposed mega-size constituency. If Welsh Labour were genuinely concerned about fair representation, then why not go for proportional representation? I believe this is a massive step backwards for democracy here in Wales. Major changes to our electoral system surely require a referendum, which Welsh Conservative group have called for. From the feedback I have received, I think that the Welsh Government would not like the result!
Unbelievably, this is only a ‘temporary’ boundary change with more changes in 2030. It is ludicrous that Labour is pushing ahead with this, spending at least £120million – when that money would be better spent on healthcare, education and providing better local services. I am fearful that the changes will strengthen Labour’s hold in Wales and continue with their damaging policies that are hurting our area, our economy, and our services.
