PLANS TO create 16 “super constituencies” for the 2026 Senedd election have been unveiled - including for North Wales' counties.

The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru published initial proposals to redraw Wales’ political map, replacing the current 40 constituencies and five regions.

In 2026, the Senedd will expand from 60 to 96 members and adopt a new electoral system, with the 32 constituencies used in July’s Westminster general election paired to create 16.

The boundary commission has proposed the following constituencies for north Wales which would each be represented by six Senedd members:

  • Bangor Aberconwy Ynys Môn 
  • Clwyd
  • Alyn, Deeside and Wrexham

Consultation

In the full 51-page report, the commission sets out the criteria for the 2026 boundary review, including local ties, shared history, the Welsh language and socio-economic considerations.

Ynys Môn and Dwyfor Meirionnydd, for example, was not considered viable because it is not possible to travel by road from one to the other without entering Bangor Aberconwy.

A four-week consultation has opened seeking people’s views on the initial proposals, with suggestions for different pairings and constituency names welcomed.

Following the initial consultation, which ends on September 30, the independent commission will publish revised proposals in December.

Then a second four-week consultation will follow in January, with a final decision expected to be published in March 2025 ahead of the next Senedd election in May 2026.

A further review will be held after the election, with the commission given more leeway to formulate constituencies which could vary in number of voters by as much as 20%.

‘Jigsaw’

Shereen Williams, chief executive of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, said: “The commission is confident our initial proposals represent a very good first step….

“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 we can further strengthen the map ahead of the next election.”

Speaking on the Hiraeth podcast about Welsh politics, Ms Williams described the review as a jigsaw, with the commission tasked with ensuring all the pieces fit and make sense.

She cautioned: “You can’t get a perfect map of constituency boundaries across the country.”

Readers can have their say on the proposals by visiting the commission’s website, emailing consultations@dhcc.gov.wales or by post to DBCC, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.

‘Obsessed’

Darren Millar, the Conservatives’ shadow constitution minister, reiterated his party’s opposition to Senedd expansion, describing electoral reform as the wrong priority.

He said: “More boundary changes will cause further upheaval and confusion for those who have already had to contend with boundary changes in council and Westminster elections.

“We need a Welsh Government that is focused on getting to grips with problems in our NHS, education system and economy – not one that is obsessed with more politicians and constitutional change.”

‘Long overdue’

Plaid Cymru described the reforms as a long-overdue move to strengthen Welsh democracy.

The party said: “From 2026, the people of Wales will be better represented and the Welsh Government can be more effectively scrutinised

“We look forward to engaging with the commission to ensure new Senedd constituencies take full account of … geographic, historical, and linguistic considerations.”

Welsh Government

The Welsh Government welcomed the initial report as an important first step in the public consultation and stressed it has no role in the independent boundary review process.

A spokesperson said: “We encourage interested parties to engage to help shape the new Senedd electoral constituencies.”