Bridgend is one of 16 six-member constituencies in the expanded 96-seat Senedd, electing members under Closed-list proportional representation for the first time on 7 May 2026.

The constituency drew national attention when three Reform UK candidates resigned from its party list in late March and early April 2026 — the highest single-constituency attrition rate in Wales. Under closed-list PR, departed candidates cannot be replaced POST-nomination, leaving Reform with a shortened slate and a reduced maximum seat ceiling in the area.

How the World Sees Them

Rhun ap Iorwerth / Welsh Government (Plaid Cymru)

the outcomes it delivers

Michael Marra / Scottish Labour

Scots know what we are against. They can't tell you what we are for.

Andy Burnham / Labour Party

contest the next election with a manifesto commitment to change the electoral system so that everyone's vote counts and everyone's voice is heard

Reform UK

fully cooperate with the investigation

Steff Aquarone / Liberal Democrats (North Norfolk)

made to waste £600,000

Stephen Atkinson / Lancashire County Council (Reform UK)

the opportunity to challenge the July decision

Jim McMahon / Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

following updated legal advice

Democratic Unionist Party

goaded

Rupert Lowe / Restore Britain

Reform-sponsored media circus