‘Likely to change significantly’: Time running out on Wales’ boundaries consultation

The Boundary Commission for Wales have urged the public to share their views on the initial proposals for Wales’ new parliamentary constituencies within the next two weeks.

The secretary to the Boundary Commission for Wales, Shereen Williams, said that the current proposals were “likely to change significantly” based on people’s feedback so far.

Wales’ number of MPs are being cut from 40 to 32 by Westminster. That means that the Boundary Commission have had to devise constituencies of between 69,724 and 77,062 electors, with the exception of Ynys Môn, which is a protected constituency.

With only two weeks remaining until the consultation closes on 3 November, the Commission said that they were keen to hear views from across the spectrum of opinions, from every part of Wales.

The Commission said that they had considered several factors in developing its proposals, such as geography (lakes, rivers, and mountains), and current boundaries such as local authority and ward boundaries.

They had also considered local ties, such as shared history and culture as it developed its initial proposals and is particularly keen to receive representations regarding these factors.

‘Massive help’

Urging the public to get involved, secretary to the Boundary Commission for Wales, Shereen Williams MBE OStJ said, “We’ve been really impressed by the number of comments we’ve received so far.

“The people of Wales have already smashed the record for the number of comments received during the last Review so join in with your neighbours and send your comments now.

“People have submitted a range of opinions on proposals in every part of Wales, and some hotspots are already starting to emerge.

“This will be a massive help to the Commission as we re-examine our proposals over the next few months.

“Like in previous Reviews, it is likely that the Commission’s proposals will change significantly based on the views submitted during the consultation.

“This is your map, and your views are vital in ensuring that we can develop constituencies that don’t just work mathematically but work for the people of Wales.

“You have two weeks left to make your voice heard and make a difference to the proposals.”

People can provide feedback on the consultation here.