Change on agenda as political map under review
WHERE will your area fit into the new proposal to pair the Cynon Valley with Pontypridd, and Rhondda with Llantrisant, in a move to reduce the number of political constituencies in Wales?
Initial proposals by the Boundary Commission for Wales, published on September 13, set out a new “political map” of Wales, based on a change from 40 constituencies being reduced to 29.
Three Labour-held constituencies currently make up the local authority area of Rhondda Cynon Taff – Pontypridd , where Owen Smith is the MP, Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd MP) and Rhondda (Chris Bryant MP).
The Commission’s proposal would see this number reduced to two – with the Pontypridd area split between two new constituencies.
Pontypridd and Cynon Valley would become one constituency, as would Rhondda and Llantrisant.
Forming a new constituency with Cynon Valley, with 78,005 electors, would be the electoral wards of Church Village, Graig, Hawthorn, Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd Town, Rhondda, Rhydfelen Central/Ilan, Ton-Teg, Trallwn and Treforest.
The Cynon Valley areas are Aberaman North, Aberaman South, Abercynon, Aberdare East, Aberdare West/Llwydcoed, Cilfynydd, Cwmbach, Glyncoch, Hirwaun, Mountain Ash East, Mountain Ash West, Penrhiwceiber, Peny waun, Rhigos and Ynysybwl.
‘Joining’ the Rhondda in a new constituency of 74,965 electors would be current Pontypridd areas Beddau, Llantrisant Town, Pontyclun, Talbot Green, Tonyrefail East, Tonyrefail West and Tynant.
The existing Rhondda area is made up of Cwm Clydach, Cymmer, Ferndale, Llwynypia, Maerdy, Pentre, Penygraig, Porth, Tonypandy, Trealaw, Treherbert, Treorchy, Tylorstown, Ynyshir and Ystrad.
It is also proposed that the electoral ward of Taffs Well be transferred to Cardiff North and Gilfach Goch, Brynna, Llanharan and Llanharry remain within the Ogmore constituency.
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s councillors will discuss the plan on Thursday, and could choose to set up a working group to consider the proposals so a response can be made by the council ahead of a deadline on December 5.
Councillors will also discuss the names of the newly-forming constituencies.
A report by Karyl May, Head of Democratic Services at RCT council, ahead of a full council meeting on Wednesday, September 28, said: “For a new constituency, the name should normally reflect that of the principal council or principal councils wholly or mainly contained in the constituency.
“However, if there is a suitable alternative name which generally commands greater local support, the Commission will consider that alternative.”
The report concludes: “There are many matters for consideration, such as the reduction in constituencies in Rhondda Cynon Taff from three to two, the areas to be combined within the proposed constituencies of ‘Cynon and Pontypridd’ and ‘ Rhondda and Llantrisant’, the naming and designations etc.
“It is therefore suggested that a working group be established to consider the proposals of the review and the findings therefrom be presented to the council meeting in November in order that a response can be made by the deadline.”