News

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

Published

2 years 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.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

5 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.