Comment DBCC-7103
Plaid Cymru response to the 2026 Review of Senedd constituencies - Initial Proposals by the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru
Plaid Cymru acknowledge the limitations that the Boundary Commission are working under in this review. We are aware that these proposals are for one election only.
We do have concerns about the geographic size of some of the proposed constituencies, especially in rural areas and specifically Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr and Ceredigion Pembrokeshire.
We hope that when the Boundary Commission is allowed to conduct a full review for use at the 2030 Senedd Election consideration will be given to reducing the size of these constituencies.
But, notwithstanding the caveats above, we are mostly content with the Initial Proposals outlined by the Boundary Commission.
Cardiff
One area where we are not completely satisfied and where we would respectfully ask that the Commission reconsider the arrangements is in Cardiff. We have received a number of comments from members of Plaid Cymru expressing a preference for Cardiff South to be twinned with Cardiff East, and Cardiff North to be twinned with Cardiff West.
Following internal discussions, we remain neutral on which of these configurations would provide the best solution. However, we raise this matter so that the Commission may further assess possible arrangements for the area.
Naming
In the Commissions Guide to the Review it notes that the Act states that each constituency should have a single name unless this is considered unacceptable. The guide goes on to state that for its Initial Proposals the Commission will use the names of the Westminster constituencies as a basis for naming.
What is not clear to us is if naming will be more fully considered and closer compliance with the Act undertaken at the next stage of the process. Currently we do not believe that the Initial Proposals reflect the wording nor the spirit of the Act.
Specific suggestions:
1.
Monmouthshire and Torfaen be named Gwent East – Dwyrain Gwent
This is shorter than the original suggested by the Boundary Commission.
2.
Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Pontypridd be named Merthyr Tydfil, Cwm Cynon and Pontypridd - Merthyr Tudful, Cwm Cynon a Phontypridd.
Plaid Cymru, Ty Gwynfor, Llys Anson, Glanfa’r Iwerydd, Caerdydd, CF10 4AL
In the last Westminster Boundary Review, the Cynon Valley was divided into two by the Boundary Commission, with the northern part renamed Aberdare and joined with Merthyr Tydfil. We are pleased that the new Senedd Boundary Commission proposals reunite the Cynon Valley; however, we note that the original name has not been reintroduced.
We suggest bringing back the name "Cwm Cynon" to better reflect the area's historical and cultural identity.
3.
Ceredigion Pembrokeshire be named Ceredigion Sir Benfro
Sir Benfro is widely used in the area and will be understood by the vast majority of residents.
4.
Swansea West and Gower just to use the Welsh name Gorllewin Abertawe a Gŵyr
5.
Bangor Abercowny Ynys Môn be renamed to Conwy Ynys Môn
Until 2005 a Westminster Constituency that covered Bangor, Conwy and Llandudno existed using the name Conwy.
The vast majority of the proposed Senedd Constituency is either in Ynys Mon or has a connection with the name of Conwy (either County or previous Westminster Constituency)
6.
Carmarthenshire – Sir Gaerfyrddin be renamed to Sir Gaerfyrddin
Given that the Westminster constituency uses the simple Welsh name "Caerfyrddin," it seems inconsistent for the Senedd to reintroduce an English name.
We recommend adopting Sir Gaerfyrddin to maintain consistency and better reflect the local preference for the Welsh name.
7.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Maldwyn a Glyndŵr) be renamed to Eryri a Maldwyn
The recent renaming of the National Park to "Eryri" provides a unified and recognizable name for the vast majority of this proposed constituency. When combined with the historical constituency name "Maldwyn," it offers a shorter and more meaningful name that reflects both the area's heritage and geography.
We believe this combination would be a fitting and concise name for the new constituency.
[REDACTED]
Director of Elections
Plaid Cymru
Supporting documents
Respondent type
On behalf of an organisation (private or public)
Organisation name
Plaid Cymru
This comment refers to
The entire area under review.