No reprieve for Montgomeryshire constituency

The proposals are little different from the ones put forward in January.

Present MP for the constituency, Glyn Davies, said he would want to stand again if they were went through in their present form.

However, he thought that the changes which took place at the General Election earlier cast doubt on whether they would actually get through parliament.

Under the revised proposals, the town of Montgomery will become part of a new super-constituency of Brecon, Radnor and Montgomery, covering more than 1,150 square miles – making it one of the two largest constituencies in Wales.

The north of the existing constituency, which includes Welshpool, would come under a new Clwyd South and North Montgomeryshire constituency.

The main difference between the draft proposals put forward in January is that Machynlleth would now come under Ceredigion and North Pembrokeshire.

Mr Davies, who has held the seat since 2010, said he was very disappointed with the updated proposals.

"If I'm honest, I think the changes at the last election means they are probably not going through, but if they do go through, I won't be standing again," he said.

Steve Halsall, secretary to the Boundary Commission for Wales, said as well as meeting the need to reduce the number of constituencies, the review had also looked at issues specific to Wales.

The proposals will now go forward for a third and final consultation.

Mr Halsall said: "It has also taken into account other relevant factors and has sought to identify the solutions most suitable to local needs within Wales.

"I would emphasise that these are not the final set of proposals so I urge the Welsh public to take this opportunity to have their say during this consultation period.”

He said the commission had lookd at a number of options.

"Some potential solutions considered proved not to be viable because they cannot be accommodated within the statutory requirement as to the size of the electorate or because of their knock-on effect on other constituencies," said Mr Halsall.

He said the commission had sought to identify the solutions most suitable to local needs within Wales.

Mr Halsall added: “Over the next eight weeks people may visit our consultation portal, write in or email us to let us know what they think of the commission’s proposals.

"Whether they accept or object, we are keen to hear people’s views.

"Where they object – particularly where they can supply counter-proposals – the Commission will give full consideration and may amend its proposals accordingly.”

The initial consultation period runs until December 11. Representations can be sent to the Boundary Commission for Wales, Hastings House, Fitzalan Court, Cardiff CF24 0BL, fax them to 029 2046 4820, or email them to bcomm.wales@wales.gsi.gov.uk