New Senedd Constituencies Spark Debate Over Welsh-Only Names

The Senedd, Wales’ national legislature, is undergoing significant changes ahead of the next election in May 2024. The number of constituencies has been reduced from 40 to 16, with each new constituency now bearing a Welsh-only name. This decision has sparked controversy, particularly from critics who argue that bilingual names would better reflect Wales’ linguistic diversity. The reforms coincide with an increase in the number of Senedd members, rising from 60 to 96, marking the most substantial overhaul of the Welsh parliamentary system since its establishment over 25 years ago.

Reduced Constituencies and Welsh-Only Names

The new constituency boundaries were finalized in late 2023, following a consultation process that garnered an unprecedented number of responses. Despite this engagement, the decision to use Welsh-only names has been met with criticism. Among the vocal opponents is Andrew RT Davies, the former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, who expressed concerns that the lack of bilingual names could leave English-speaking voters feeling "disenfranchised." Davies emphasized that Wales is a bilingual nation and argued that constituency names should reflect both languages.

The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, responsible for the changes, defended the decision, stating that the chosen names were selected to be "acceptable and recognisable for people across Wales." The commission acknowledged the "robust, but very constructive" debate surrounding the naming process and thanked the public for their input, which they described as "significantly strengthened due to the public’s involvement." The 16 new constituencies now include names such as "Bangor Conwy Môn," "Clwyd," "Ceredigion Penfro," and "Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd," among others.

A Shift in Electoral Representation

The reduction in constituencies is part of a broader reform of the Senedd’s electoral system. Previously, the Senedd consisted of 40 members elected through a mix of first-past-the-post and proportional representation. Moving forward, the 16 new constituencies will each elect six members, with voters casting ballots for both constituency representatives and regional list candidates. This change is the most significant alteration to the Senedd’s structure since its creation in 1999 and aims to enhance representation and accountability.

The move to larger constituencies has also been accompanied by criticism about potential challenges for voters in identifying with their new electoral regions. Some have raised concerns that the mergers of historic and culturally significant areas may dilute local identities. However, proponents argue that the changes will improve governance by aligning the Senedd more closely with other layers of local administration.

Public Reaction and the Future of the Senedd

The reforms have sparked a lively debate about the balance between modernization and preservation of cultural heritage. While supporters of the changes highlight the need for a more efficient and representative parliament, critics fear that the shift toward larger constituencies and Welsh-only names may alienate certain communities. Shereen Williams MBE, chief executive of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, acknowledged the "very significant" nature of the changes but emphasized the importance of adapting to meet the evolving needs of Welsh democracy.

As Wales approaches the 2024 election, the reforms will undoubtedly shape the political landscape for years to come. The increased number of Senedd members and the new electoral system aim to ensure that the parliament better reflects the diversity and priorities of modern Wales. However, the controversy over constituency names serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing linguistic and cultural identity with the demands of effective governance. Whether these changes will enhance or hinder voter engagement and representation remains to be seen.