Major changes to cut number of Welsh MPs published

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Major proposals to change Wales’ Westminster constituencies have been published, as the number of Welsh MPs drops from 40 to 32.

The only exception to that rule will be Ynys Môn, on Anglesey, which was given a “protected status” last year, meaning no changes to its name or boundaries – leaving it with 52,415 voters.

There will be two more separate consultations before final proposals are presented to MPs, with the final changes due to take effect at the next general election.

Plans to redraw the Parliamentary boundaries date back around a decade, when David Cameron was prime minister.

The proposed new political map of Wales revealed with eight fewer MPs

Some significant changes could see large parts of Neath – including towns such as Pontardawe – combined with Brecon and Radnorshire. There will also be changes in Cardiff with areas of the Vale of Glamorgan and Pontypridd moving to the capital constituencies.

In west Wales it is proposed that Ceredigion is combined with part of Pembrokeshire while in the north, most of Arfon will move to Dwyfor Meirionnydd splitting Bangor and Caernarfon.

Voters are being asked to share their views over the initial proposals which would come into force in time for the next general election.

Overall, England will gain 10 seats in the restructure. mEngland’s boundary commission, which published its proposal ahead of the summer recess, confirmed the country’s seats would rise from 533 to 543.

Under the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (as amended), each nation and region of the UK is given a share of 650 MPs based on the number of registered electors.

Plans to cut number of Welsh MPs by eight to be published

Boundary changes are also taking place in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in order to reflect population changes across the UK.

Overall, the Conservative Party is set to gain 10 seats in the restructure.

England’s boundary commission, which published its proposal ahead of the summer recess, confirmed the country’s seats would rise from 533 to 543.

Shereen Williams, Secretary to the Boundary Commission for Wales said: “We will be proposing significant changes due to the reduction in the number of Welsh constituencies and that means that we’ll be relying on the public, who know their local area better than anyone, to send in their views.

“Our initial proposals will be the start of a conversation with the public about how the new map of Welsh constituencies should look.

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