News

Proposals to redraw Wales’ political landscape ahead of 2026 Senedd election

Published

3 months ago

September 3, 2024

A HUGE new constituency stretching from the Llŷn Peninsula on the west coast to the Welsh border with England is among the proposals set to reshape the Senedd election in 2026. This comes as part of a broader reform that will see the Welsh Parliament grow to 96 Members of the Senedd (MSs) from the current 60, with a new voting system and a drastic redrawing of the electoral map.

The changes, outlined by the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, follow a mandate to create 16 new, larger constituencies by merging the existing 32 Westminster seats. This reconfiguration will lead to the creation of vast constituencies, some covering nearly 2,000 square miles, as well as smaller, more densely populated urban areas.

The new electoral map represents a profound departure from the existing structure, with the 16 proposed constituencies representing a doubling up of the recently redrawn Westminster boundaries. This approach was adopted to meet the tight timeline ahead of the next Senedd election in 2026, avoiding the need to draft entirely new boundaries from scratch. Each of these new constituencies will elect six MSs through a party-list proportional representation system, replacing the current mixed system of first-past-the-post and regional lists.

The largest proposed constituency, Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire, and Glyndŵr, will span a vast area of 1,927 square miles, stretching from the Llŷn Peninsula in the west to the border with England, and encompassing parts of Gwynedd and Powys. This will be a significant change for the residents of these areas, who will see their representation in the Senedd combined across a broad and diverse geographic area.

In contrast, urban areas such as Cardiff East and North will be more compact, reflecting the higher population density in these regions. The smallest of the proposed constituencies, Cardiff East and North, will cover just a fraction of the area of its rural counterparts, yet will still elect the same number of MSs.

The Boundary Commission’s proposals are not yet set in stone. A public consultation is currently underway, running until 30 September 2024, allowing residents and stakeholders to have their say on the new boundaries. The commission has emphasised that it has taken into account factors such as transport links, local ties, shared history, and the Welsh language in drawing up the proposals, aiming to create constituencies that feel as natural and representative as possible.

The proposals are expected to be revised in December 2024, with the final boundaries to be confirmed by March 2025. However, these changes are intended to be temporary, with plans for a more comprehensive review of the boundaries before the subsequent election in 2030. This future review is expected to allow for more flexibility in creating constituencies that better reflect the changing demographics and political landscape of Wales.

The expansion of the Senedd and the introduction of the new voting system are the culmination of years of debate and planning, spearheaded by former First Minister Mark Drakeford and ex-Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price. The reforms aim to address long-standing concerns that the current size of the Senedd is insufficient to effectively scrutinise the Welsh Government, given its growing responsibilities since devolution.

While Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru have supported the expansion, the Welsh Conservatives have voiced strong opposition, citing the increased cost of an additional £18 million per year on top of the Senedd’s existing £67 million annual budget. The new system’s reliance on closed party lists, where voters choose a party rather than individual candidates, has also sparked concerns about the potential erosion of the connection between voters and their elected representatives.

Professor Laura McAllister, an expert in Welsh politics, has warned that the closed lists system could concentrate too much power in the hands of political parties, potentially undermining public trust. Critics fear that this could weaken the bond between constituents and their MSs, as voters would no longer have the option to vote for a specific individual who best represents their interests.

As Wales prepares for the 2026 Senedd election, the changes to the electoral map and the expansion of the Welsh Parliament represent a significant moment in the evolution of Welsh democracy. The introduction of a more proportional voting system is intended to better reflect the will of the electorate, but it also brings with it challenges in terms of representation and voter engagement.

One of the most significant tests for the new system will be voter turnout. Historically, turnout in Senedd elections has been relatively low, with the 2021 election seeing a turnout of just 46.6%. Whether the changes will inspire greater engagement or lead to further voter apathy remains to be seen.

The final shape of Wales’ political map for 2026 is still in flux, and the coming months will be crucial in determining how these changes will impact the future of Welsh politics. With the commission urging the public to participate in the consultation process, the voices of Welsh voters will play a key role in shaping the new constituencies that will define the next chapter of the Senedd.

News

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.

News

Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.

Contact methods:
🖥️ | Submit online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call 101

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 034 of 21st November.