James Evans MS says the Senedd constituency boundary review is a step backwards for democracy in Wales.
The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has today published initial proposals for the 2026 Review of Senedd constituencies. This means that Brecon & Radnorshire will be joined by Neath and Swansea East and create a huge electoral region which will be over 86 miles from top to toe, the equivalent of Hay on Wye to Coventry.
This is expected to come into force by the 2026 Senedd Election, along with other changes which will see Senedd Member numbers expand from 60 to 96, and a D’Hondt electoral system, meaning that on the ballot paper, candidates names will not be listed - instead it will be the political party that you will vote for, not the individual.
James Evans MS says:
“This is a backwards step for democracy in Wales. Each new area will have six representatives and we will lose that ‘local’ connection and accountability of Members. I have always been against the expansion of the Senedd up to 96 and this move to a D’Hondt electoral system is a backward step for democracy and makes Senedd Members less accountable to the voters. As this is a major change to our electoral system, the Welsh Conservatives have consistently called for referendum on this but I can guarantee that they would not like the answer back!
Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru and Reform have all welcomed these proposals. At a time when our public services need investment this is clearly the wrong priorities for the Welsh Labour Government to be pushing ahead with this."
