THE political map in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire could be set for a major shake-up under blueprints which recommend a reduced number of parliamentary seats in Wales.

The Boundary Commission for Wales submitted its final recommendations report for the 2018 Review of Parliamentary Constituencies in Wales on Monday (September 10).

The recommendations by the commission would see the number of constituencies across Wales reduced from its current 40 down to 29 - with the overall number of MPs across the UK reduced from 650 to 600.

There are presently 40 constituencies in Wales. The number of electors in the constituencies ranges from 37,739 (Arfon CC) to 72,392 (Cardiff South and Penarth BC) and the average electorate of the existing 40 constituencies in Wales is 54,546.

In accordance with the amendments to the Act, the number of constituencies in Wales would be reduced from 40 to 29 and the statutory electorate range for each constituency would be between 71,031 and 78,507. Therefore, the recommended constituencies differ significantly from existing constituencies.

Pembrokeshire would see its two constituencies – Preseli-Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire disappear.

Instead there would be one constituency for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, while the north of the county from Fishguard to St Dogmaels would become part of the Ceredigion and North Pembrokeshire constituency.

Carmarthenshire and East Dinefwr would change to become part of a Carmarthen constituency.

The changes are the result of a series of consultations which took place between 2016 and the start of this year.

The final report has now been submitted to the Westminster government, and will be discussed in parliament in the near future.

Ceredigion Mp Ben Lake said: "The recommendations, if implemented, would bring about significant changes to the parliamentary map of Wales.

"While the desire to ensure consistency in terms of the electorate of every constituency is understandable, the subsequent reduction in the number of Welsh MPs from 40 to 29 should be a cause for concern, particularly at a time when decisions on so many important issues are still taken at Westminster.

"Furthermore, geographically, the new boundaries would establish much larger constituencies, which presents its own challenges in terms of the ability of any individual MP to represent each community.

"At this crucial time the people of Wales must have the strongest voice and the most effective representation possible.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said he did not expect any movement on the plans until after the Brexit negotiations.

“I have consistently supported the principle of fair votes in parliamentary elections. At the moment there are enormous differences in the numbers of voters in different seats. I also think we have far too many MPs and Lords in Parliament overall. Britain really does not need 1,400 Westminster politicians,” he added.

Carmarthen and East Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards said: "As I and my Plaid Cymru colleague have stated consistently: we are not opposed to the principle of reducing the number of MPs in Westminster, but these proposals are nothing more than a way to stitch up a Tory majority in London while having a disproportionate impact upon Wales.

"These plans will only serve to undermine democracy where Wales will lose 28 per cent of our MPs, despite having only five per of the population.

"This is particularly concerning as the Welsh economy faces being driven off a cliff post-Brexit with a weaker voice in parliament for our businesses, producers and consumers.

"On a more practical level these plans would make it increasingly difficult for residents to visit their elected member, with a potential two-hour journey from one corner of the constituency to the other. Politicians should be making themselves more accessible to our voters – not making it almost impossible for those without transport to see their representative.

"Without a substantial transfer of powers from Westminster to the National Assembly for Wales, Plaid Cymru will oppose these boundary change plans."

Simon Hart, MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, was cautious about the effect the plans would have on Welsh representation in parliament.

“No one knows when or even if these proposals will be voted on,” he said.

“However they do hit Wales’ representation in the UK Parliament disproportionately hard because the number of MPs falls by a quarter.”

The recommended new constituency boundaries can be viewed at bcw2018.org.uk