Wales constituency changes: Plans for more Senedd members

Chief executive of the commission, Shereen Williams, said: “The commission is confident that our initial proposals represent a very good first step in creating Wales’ 16 new Senedd constituencies, but we know from experience that these processes are always strengthened when we hear from the public.

“So we strongly encourage everyone to share their views with us, whether they support or oppose the proposals, so that we can go on to further strengthen the map ahead of the next election.”

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for the Constitution Darren Millar said the expansion proposals were “the wrong priority”.

“More boundary changes will cause yet further upheaval and confusion for those who have already had to contend with boundary changes in council and Westminster elections,” he added.

A Plaid Cymru spokesperson said: “Moves to strengthen Welsh democracy are long overdue.

“From 2026, the people of Wales will be better represented, and the Welsh government can be more effectively scrutinised.”

Reform UK, which has no Welsh seats in the Senedd or Westminster, is hoping the new Welsh Parliament will be an opportunity for the party.

“Today’s announcement is an exciting one for Reform UK,” chairman Zia Yusuf said, adding the party was building a “local branch structure across the whole of Wales”.