The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has today published Initial Proposals for Wales’ new Senedd constituencies.

The Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act instructs the Commission to make recommendations for 16 constituencies to replace the current 40 constituencies and 5 regions.

These new constituencies will take effect automatically at the 2026 Senedd election, and 6 Members of the Senedd will be elected from each one, using the D’Hondt method currently used for the Senedd’s regional lists.

The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has had to create 16 constituencies by pairing Wales’ 32 UK parliamentary constituencies, ensuring that each constituency neighbours the one with which it is paired.

Brecon and Radnorshire would be no more under the proposals, and would instead become Brecon, Radnor, Neath and Swansea East.

The 16 constituencies proposed by the Commission are:

  1. Bangor Aberconwy Ynys Môn
  2. Clwyd
  3. Alyn, Deeside and Wrexham
  4. Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
  5. Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire
  6. Carmarthenshire
  7. Swansea West and Gower
  8. Brecon, Radnor, Neath and Swansea East
  9. Aberafan Maesteg, Rhondda and Ogmore
  10. Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Pontypridd
  11. Blaenau Gwent, Rhymney and Caerphilly
  12. Monmouthshire and Torfaen
  13. Newport and Islwyn
  14. Cardiff East and North
  15. Cardiff West, South and Penarth
  16. Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend

Having published its initial proposals, the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has also opened a four-week consultation to seek the views of people across Wales.

The Commission is keen to understand whether there is public support for these proposals or whether people feel that their parliamentary constituency should instead be paired with a different constituency.

The Commission is also interested in hearing the public’s views on the proposed constituency names.

Chief Executive of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, Shereen Williams MBE OStJ said: “Today marks a very important step in the journey towards reforming the Senedd.

“At the 2026 Senedd election, our national parliament will be elected using an entirely new system, with entirely new constituencies.

“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.”

The consultation is open until Monday, September 30 and you can have your say by visiting dbcc.gov.wales