Iconic seaside towns where people I spoke to all seem to agree on 1 thing | Politics | News
Sharon Morgan was among those speaking ahead of this week’s election (Image: Lewis Smith)
A gorgeous day out on the south Wales coastline, where hundreds of locals, shoppers and day trippers enjoy the beautiful weather in the iconic seaside towns of Barry and Porthcawl.
Both areas have long been considered among the best-known tourist attractions in this part of Wales in the summer months, attracting visitors from across the country with their magnificent beaches and seasonal attractions. Of course, Barry also has a UK-wide reputation thanks to Gavin and Stacey.
However, when you move away from the seaside, conversations with local residents take on a very different tone; Many people are voicing concerns about the rising cost of living, increasing pressures on local services and whether long-term regeneration plans are actually moving in the right direction.
Both towns will fall in the newly created seat of Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg for the 2026 Senedd election on May 7, which will be made up of the two existing Westminster constituencies of Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan. This will cover parts of both council areas including Barry, Bridgend, Porthcawl, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Pencoed. WalesOnline reports.
Main street in Porthcawl (Image: Lewis Smith)
Recent election history in this corner of Wales shows Welsh Labor winning in both the Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan seats in the last two elections; most importantly when Jane Hutt secures a Vale of Glamorgan seat for the sixth time in 2021. But YouGov’s latest MRP poll shows Reform and Plaid Cymru could be the biggest parties here in the coming weeks, potentially winning two seats, while Labor and the Conservatives are forecast to win one seat. each.
For those living in the region, some argue that whatever changes are made to the electoral system or those in power, the key issues requiring attention will remain the same, while others question whether the Senedd serves any real purpose given the current political climate.
Barry shop owner Sharon Morgan said she would like to see more support for small businesses from the Welsh Government over the next four years, as well as the regeneration of the town’s high streets. Regarding proposed reforms to the Senedd voting system, he has made clear that he would prefer funds to be directed elsewhere.
Seaside in Porthcawl (Image: Lewis Smith)
He said: “All that’s happening is more of the money we have is being used to pay these fees, and we don’t have enough money in the first place, so why are we spending more on something that’s not really going to benefit us? I’d rather the money be spent on things that will impact everyone here in their day-to-day lives.”
Ian Courtney acknowledged that while there were numerous issues affecting residents in places like Barry, particularly the cost of living, he felt proposed changes to the voting system or constituency boundaries would do little to resolve these issues. He said: “I think there are a lot of people who are not very interested in politics at the moment and that has a lot to do with the cost of living crisis and the struggles they face.”
Charlotte Strange-Bliss expressed her desire for a government that would support Barry’s local shops, while highlighting concerns about the scale of housing development in the area and the pressure it was putting on local services.
He said: “Barry is overpopulated for what we have to offer here. Schools, doctors, dentists, shops and everything. They’re building houses and apartments as best they can and Barry can’t stand it.”
Residents living on Porthcawl seafront, where ambitious regeneration plans for the seafront are currently being prepared, have also shared their key priorities and concerns. Mel Evans, who visited the region that day, said he was very keen on expanding the Senedd but emphasized that more transparency was needed in decision-making processes.
Arthur Burgess of Porthcawl (Image: Lewis Smith)
But Porthcawl resident Arthur Burgess said: “I’m voting for what I think will be best for the area. Wales has been run by Labor for the last 27 years and I don’t like what’s happened. I don’t like what they’ve done.”
Speaking more broadly about the Senedd, he added that he would like to see it “completely abandoned” and reunited with the UK government, stating: “I think it’s a complete waste of time and money. There are too many candidates out there and adding anything else on top of that would just be a waste of money.”
Another resident, Karen Phillips, added: “I just don’t think they need 36. [MSs] When our healthcare is shocking, it is absolutely shocking. To tell you the truth, I’d totally like to be shot. It’s just a waste of money.”
Elsewhere on the high street, Jon Jones stated his main concerns for the upcoming election focused on the NHS and immigration. He also expressed widespread disappointment in politicians, saying: “They no longer represent the people.”
Charlotte Strange-Barry’s Happiness (Image: Lewis Smith)
Voting for the 2026 Senedd elections will now take place on Thursday, May 7. Voting centers will open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. The votes will be counted later on Friday, May 8. A total of six Senedd members will be elected from the newly created seat of Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg.
The Welsh elections will determine who will represent the electorate in the Welsh Parliament, known as the Senedd. Key policy areas agreed here over the next four years include health, education and the environment.
