PROPOSALS to reduce the number of MPs in Wales have remained unchanged following a public consultation, with Penarth set to fall under the same constituency as Barry for the first time since 1983.

The Boundary Commission for Wales first announced plans for the move last year, before confirming their recommendations on Tuesday, October 16, after analysing feedback received during the consultation.

The plans, which must be approved by Parliament before coming into force, would see the Vale of Glamorgan effectively split in half into 'Vale of Glamorgan East' and 'Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan West'.

The Vale of Glamorgan East constituency would include both Barry and Penarth, as well as Wenvoe, Dinas Powys and Bonvilston, spreading as far west as Rhoose.

The existing Cardiff South and Penarth Constituency would be divided between Cardiff South and East and Vale of Glamorgan East, with a small section set to fall under Cardiff West.

The changes would see the number of MPs in Wales cut from 40 to 29, with the intention of reducing the overall number of MPs in the House of Commons from the current 650 down to 600. The plans came about as one of a number of cost-cutting measures proposed in 2011, at the height of the MP expenses scandal.

If approved in Parliament, the changes will come into effect as of 2022.

Cardiff South and Penarth's Labour MP Stephen Doughty said he did not approve of the proposed changes, but doubts they will go ahead.

He said: "It's disappointing to see the Boundary Commission continues to propose breaking off Penarth from Cardiff and splitting the bay into three separate constituencies.

"I strongly encourage constituents who disagree to comment on the ongoing consultation."

But he added: "These proposals are highly unlikely to go forward after the loss of Theresa May’s majority, nor should they, based as they are on slashing Wales' voice by cutting MPs in Wales.

"(The plans) disenfranchise millions by using completely out of date electoral registers from before the EU referendum."

Labour has previously argued that those who registered to vote in the referendum who were not previously registered had not been accounted for in the Boundary Commission's planning. The proposals suggest that all new constituencies should have between 71,031 and 78,507 registered voters, although these figures were calculated in December 2015, prior to the referendum. 

If Mr Doughty chooses to contest the new Vale of Glamorgan East seat, he will go head-to-head with current Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns. However with one of Labour's Cardiff seats set to disappear, he could face another battle for reselection amongst his colleagues should he prefer to stay in the capital.

A second consultation has been launched to look into the revised proposals, and will run until Monday, December 11. To take part, visit bcomm-wales.gov.uk or call 02920 464 819.