2018 Boundary Review: initial proposals for Wales

The 2018 Review of constituency boundaries is set to reduce the number of constituencies in the UK from 650 to 600, and reduce the variation in their electorates.

On 13 September 2016, the Boundary Commission for Wales published its initial proposals for 29 seats in Wales (a reduction of 11 seats). This briefing paper examines how the initial proposals would change the existing map of constituencies. It looks at:

• the extent to which proposed constituencies can be identified with existing seats. For 60% of existing seats, the proposals suggest transferring more than 75% of their electors to a single new seat;
• which seats ‘disappear’;
• which existing constituencies would be most affected by the proposals; and
• which proposed seats cannot straightforwardly be identified with existing seats.

A number of proposed constituencies cross local authority boundaries.

The proposed constituency with the largest electorate is Cardiff North (78,014). The proposed seat with the smallest electorate is De Clwyd a Gogledd Sir Faldwyn (71,097).

The proposed constituency covering the largest geographical area is Brecon, Radnor and Montgomery (3,624 km²). The proposed constituency covering the smallest area is Cardiff North (48 km²).

Library Briefing Paper 5929 Constituency boundary reviews and the number of MPs provides background to the boundary review process and discusses the 2013 Review which was halted. Information on the public consultation process that follows the publication of the initial proposals is provided in Library Briefing Paper 7696 Parliamentary boundary reviews: public consultation.

Maps showing the proposed constituency boundaries in each region are on http://constituencyboundaries.uk/. Maps and discussion for individual proposed constituencies are on the Boundary Commission for Wales’ website. Factors considered by the Boundary Commission for Wales in developing its proposals are explained in Guide to the 2018 Review, also available on the Commission’s website.