Dear Editor —
The reported views of MP Stephen Crabb (“MP criticises calls for ‘Dyfed’ constituency,” Western Telegraph, February 3rd), appear to ignore those of the many people who consider that the electoral system is in urgent need of reform in order to better reflect the wishes of ordinary citizens, rather than those of the two main parties.
According to the Electoral Reform Society, the Alternative Vote (AV) system would not necessarily alter the number of constituencies in Wales.
Although Mr Crabb is correct that the Lib-Dem proposals are to reduce the number of constituencies, each is to be represented in Parliament by several MPs — possibly of different parties — allowing constituents to choose who to approach with a problem, as with the National Assembly for Wales.
What Mr Crabb conspicuously fails to mention is that the Conservative Party proposes to reduce the number of MPs in Wales from 40 to 30. One seat likely to disappear under this plan is that for the Carmarthen/Pembroke area, and the boundaries of the Pembrokeshire constituency radically redrawn.
It is possible that areas of Pembrokeshire would have to be transferred to seats based in Carmarthen or Ceredigion in order to make the numbers conform to Conservative proposals.
I would welcome Mr Crabb’s clarification of his position and those of his party on this important issue.
Andrew Watters
Port Lion,
Llangwm,
Haverfordwest.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here