VOTERS in Montgomeryshire could be voting on a constituency that stretches all the way to the edge of Wrexham in the next General Election.

The latest proposals by the Boundary Commission for Wales, published today (Wednesday, October 19), would see the Montgomeryshire constituency, currently held by Conservative MP Craig Williams, extended to incorporate areas on the outskirts of Wrexham.

It follows amendments to the plans previously put forward which have seen Llangollen bypassed but the north-eastern edge of the proposed constituency extended to include Rhosllannerchrugog, Talwrn and Ddol.

It will still maintain all of Montgomeryshire, meaning that it stretches all the way from Llangurig to the edge of Wrexham – a distance of about 60 miles.

Mr Williams welcomed the proposals for the constituency, saying: “I believe this proposal is a very good one given that it ensures the historic county and constituency of Montgomeryshire, which has been represented in Parliament since 1542, remains intact, and also gives us the opportunity to welcome local neighbouring communities that have similar landscapes and needs to our own.

The current boundaries in red, and the proposed new ones in blue

“I have always accepted the importance for Parliamentary constituencies to be relatively even in terms of population size.

"Maintaining Montgomeryshire as a whole within a larger seat of Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr acknowledges the extremely strong cultural and historic ties of the county and Parliamentary seat, whilst also meeting the parameters of the review.

“I am very pleased that the Commission has acknowledged the significant number of submissions it had received in support of maintaining Montgomeryshire as a whole, which was key to its final decision.”

All of Wales' boundaries (in red) and how they could look (blue)

With the proposals aimed at reducing the number of seats in Wales, they would see the current Clwyd South constituency carved up, with the corridor covering Chirk up to the edge of Wrexham joining with Montgomeryshire, and Llangollen being added to another constituency stretching to the coast at Prestatyn.

The current Clwyd South MP is former Llanfyllin mayor and Conservative Simon Baynes.

The Brecon and Radnorshire constituency, held by Conservative Fay Jones, would be extended slightly past Ystradgynlais to Pontardawe.

The proposals were created following two separate consultations and five Public Hearings since the Commission’s Initial Proposals were published.

OTHER NEWS:

The Commission is now inviting comment on its proposals as it launches its final four-week consultation period- beginning today (October 19) and closing on November 15.

Members of the public are being encouraged to send in their views, whether they support or oppose the proposals.

Following the consultation period, the Commission will assess the representations received and submit its Final Recommendations to Parliament in July 2023. If parliament approves the plans, they would come into effect at the next scheduled General Election after that point in time.

An online consultation portal at bcw-reviews.org.uk features the proposals in full.