The Senedd constituency of Brecon and Radnorshire will be scrapped in 2026, with the area absorbed into a new super-constituency named Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd.

The changes, confirmed by the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru today, are part of a wider shake-up that will see Wales’ current 40 constituencies replaced by 16 larger ones, each electing six Members of the Senedd (MSs) under a proportional voting system.

The new Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd constituency will combine the current Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe UK parliamentary constituency with Neath and Swansea East.

The Commission received 27 representations on the boundary changes, with 25 opposing the revised pairing.

Alternative suggestions included linking Brecon and Radnor with areas such as Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, or Ceredigion Preseli. However, the Commission determined that pairing with Neath and Swansea East created a more “cohesive” constituency with good transport links and established local ties.

Concerns were also raised over the proposed name of the new constituency. Some respondents suggested alternatives such as South Powys Tawe Neath or Powys Nedd, but the Commission opted for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, arguing that it reflects the areas covered while ensuring consistency with Welsh language naming conventions. The Welsh Language Commissioner supported the decision.

The decision has sparked anger locally, with Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans condemning the name change as an erasure of Radnorshire’s identity.

He is concerned that the change risks “damaging our heritage and what makes our place in Wales unique”.

“I am extremely annoyed and very worried to see Radnorshire seemingly ‘wiped off’ the map after confirmation that my constituency of ‘Brecon and Radnorshire’ will become ‘Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd’ – totally removing a huge part of my constituency,” he said.

Mr Evans, a Conservative, has long opposed Senedd reform, which will see the number of MSs rise from 60 to 96 in the next election.

“It’s quite telling that they can find £120m for more 36 more politicians – yet couldn’t find the money to reinstate a Winter Fuel Allowance to keep Welsh pensioners warm this winter” said Mr Evans.

“This is yet again another decision in a very long list that puts Mid Wales, yet again, at a disadvantage compared to the south.”

The new boundaries will take effect automatically at the 2026 Senedd election.

The 16 constituencies proposed by the Commission are:

Chief Executive of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, Shereen Williams MBE OStJ said: “This review was the first Senedd constituency review undertaken by the Commission, and with a new electoral system, and an increase in the number of Members of the Senedd from 2026, the changes we’ve had to make have been very significant.

“The Commission would like to thank its partners in Welsh Government, the Senedd, local authorities, and the entire Welsh electoral community for their engagement with this review.

“Mostly however, the Commission wishes to thank the members of the public who have responded to its consultations in greater numbers than ever before.

“The debate over proposed pairs and names has been robust, but very constructive, and the constituencies recommended by the Commission have been significantly strengthened due to the public’s involvement in the process.”

The boundary review process began on September 3 2024, when the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru published its initial proposals and launched a consultation. It received 3,741 representations, prompting a revised proposal in December, which included changes to two constituencies and different names for 14 others.

A further consultation on these revisions ran until January 13 2025, generating 365 responses.