Sharon Morgan was among those who spoke ahead of this week’s elections (Image: Lewis Smith)
It’s a glorious day along the south Wales coastline as hundreds of locals, shoppers and day-trippers make the most of the fine weather in the iconic seaside towns of Barry and Porthcawl.
Both areas have long been regarded as amongst the most well-known tourist destinations in this part of Wales during the summer months, drawing visitors from across the country with their stunning beaches and seasonal attractions. Of course, Barry also has UK-wide fame thanks to Gavin and Stacey.
Yet venture away from the seafront and conversations with residents take on a rather different tone, with many voicing concerns over the rising cost of living, mounting pressures on local services and whether long-term regeneration plans are truly heading in the right direction.
Both towns will fall within the newly created Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg seat for the 2026 Senedd elections on May 7, which will be formed from the two existing Westminster constituencies of Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan. This will encompass parts of both council areas, including Barry, Bridgend, Porthcawl, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Pencoed, reports WalesOnline.
The high street In Porthcawl (Image: Lewis Smith)
Recent electoral history in this corner of Wales has seen Welsh Labour claim victory in both the Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan seats at the last two elections – most notably when Jane Hutt secured her seat in the Vale of Glamorgan for the sixth time in 2021. The latest MRP poll from YouGov, however, suggests that Reform and Plaid Cymru could be the largest parties here in the coming weeks, potentially winning two seats each while Labour and the Conservatives are predicted to win one apiece.
For those living in the area, some argue that regardless of any changes made to the electoral system or those in power, the fundamental issues requiring attention will remain the same — while others have questioned whether, given the current political climate, the Senedd serves any real purpose at all.
In Barry, shop owner Sharon Morgan said she would want to see more support for small businesses from the Welsh Government over the next four years along with the regeneration of the town’s high streets. Regarding the proposed reforms to the Senedd voting system, she made clear she would rather see the funds directed elsewhere.
The seafront in Porthcawl (Image: Lewis Smith)
She said: “All that’s happening is more money from what we have in our pot is being used to pay those wages 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 that money be put into things which will affect every person here for their day-to-day lives.”
Ian Courtney acknowledged that while numerous issues were affecting residents in places like Barry, particularly surrounding the cost of living, he felt the proposed changes to the voting system or constituency boundaries would do little to resolve them. He said: “I think there’s a lot of people who don’t really engage with politics at the moment and that has a lot to do with the cost of living crisis and the struggles they are facing.”
Charlotte Strange-Bliss expressed her desire for a government that would support Barry’s local shops, while highlighting worries about the scale of housing development in the area and the resulting strain on local services.
She said: “Barry is very over-populated for what we can offer here. The schools, the doctors, the dentists, the shops and everything. They’re just building houses wherever they can, building flats, and Barry just can’t hold it.”
Along the coast in Porthcawl, where ambitious regeneration plans are currently being drawn up for the seafront, residents also shared their key priorities and concerns. Mel Evans, visiting the area for the day, said he was quite keen on the prospect of expanding the Senedd, though he emphasised the need for greater transparency in decision-making processes.
Arthur Burgess of Porthcawl (Image: Lewis Smith)
But Porthcawl resident Arthur Burgess said: “I vote for what I think would be best for the area. Wales has been run by Labour 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 “totally abandoned” and reunited with the UK government, remarking: “I think it’s a total waste of time and money. There are far too many candidates there and to put another lot on top of that is just spending money.”
Another local resident, Karen Phillips, added: “I just think they do not need the 36 [MSs] when our health service is shocking, absolutely shocking. To be truthful I’d like to get shot altogether. It’s just a waste of money.”
Elsewhere on the high street, Jon Jones stated that his chief concerns heading into the forthcoming election centred on the NHS and immigration. He also conveyed what appeared to be a widespread disillusionment with politicians, saying: “They don’t represent the people any more.”
Charlotte Strange-Bliss of Barry (Image: Lewis Smith)
Voting for the 2026 Senedd elections will now be held on Thursday, May 7. Polling stations will open at 7am and close at 10pm. The votes will then be counted during the day on Friday, May 8. A total of six Senedd members will be elected from the newly formed Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg seat.
The Welsh election will determine who represents constituents at the Welsh Parliament, known as the Senedd. Key policy areas decided there include health, education and the environment over the following four years.