A proud Welsh community leading the way
In South East Wales, Casnewydd Islwyn is a proud, resilient community now making history as the first in Wales to host The Open Party’s open primary elections, giving every voter a say in who represents them in the 2026 Senedd election.
Where is Casnewydd Islwyn?
Located in South East Wales, Casnewydd Islwyn spans urban, suburban, and rural areas. Formed under the new 2026 Senedd election boundaries, it unites areas from the former Newport West, Newport East, and Islwyn constituencies, a landscape shaped by industry, heritage, and strong community spirit.
A community with deep political roots
This area’s role in the Chartist movement was pivotal, as it was the site of the Newport Rising in 1839, the last large-scale armed rebellion against authority in mainland Britain. This event marked the physical force wing of Chartism’s most significant challenge and became a defining moment in the history of British democracy and working-class struggle.
In November 1839, thousands of working people, primarily coal miners and ironworkers from the South Wales Valleys, marched overnight through heavy rain to Newport. They were led by local Chartist leaders John Frost, Zephaniah Williams, and William Jones. The main objectives of the march were:
- To protest against poor living and working conditions.
- To demand the implementation of the six points of the People’s Charter, which included universal male suffrage, a secret ballot, and payment for MPs.
- To liberate fellow Chartists who were being held prisoner at the Westgate Hotel in central Newport.
Upon arrival at the Westgate Hotel, a confrontation ensued with soldiers of the 45th Regiment of Foot and special constables who were waiting inside. A brief, bloody battle followed, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 Chartists and numerous injuries. The superior firepower and discipline of the soldiers quickly dispersed the crowd.
The Chartist movement in Wales left a significant and enduring legacy, primarily by acting as a crucible for working-class political consciousness and providing the foundations for future democratic reforms. While the movement did not achieve its immediate aims during its peak, most of its demands were eventually written into law decades later.
You can find out more about these events and the aftermath at https://www.newport.gov.uk/our-city/our-history-0
Why Casnewydd Islwyn was chosen
Aside from the significant role the area has played in politics historically, The Open Party chose Casnewydd Islwyn to launch its open primary pilot because it reflects the balance of modern Wales, rich traditions, strong communities, and a readiness for change.
With active towns, proud local networks, and a spirit of innovation, it’s the ideal place to test a new kind of democracy where voters, not parties, choose who stands for election.
Casnewydd Islwyn and the Senedd
Casnewydd Islwyn is notable in terms of Welsh democracy as it is one of the new, larger “super constituencies” created as part of the significant Senedd electoral reform for the 2026 election. This reform is the most substantial change to the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in 25 years and impacts the very structure of Welsh representation. There is more on these changes to Welsh democracy in a separate article.
A microcosm of Wales
Casnewydd Islwyn mirrors the challenges and opportunities of modern Wales, from economic change to the need for strong public services. It’s also a hub of innovation and optimism, where communities and small businesses are shaping the future from the ground up. Starting here allows The Open Party to test a model of democracy that’s practical, open, and rooted in real life.
Looking ahead
As Wales heads toward the 2026 Senedd election, Casnewydd Islwyn will lead the way in showing how politics can evolve. Lessons from this pilot will shape a blueprint for open primaries across Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom, making democracy more open and accountable. Those who take part will help create history, building a fairer, community-driven future for Welsh politics.
How you can get involved
If you live in or near Casnewydd Islwyn, you can help shape this new chapter in Welsh politics:
- Register at openparty.uk
- Learn about the shortlisted candidates
- Join local Q&A events
- Vote for who best represents your area
Every conversation and every vote helps build a more open democracy.
Casnewydd Islwyn: Where change begins
Casnewydd Islwyn is more than a constituency, it’s the birthplace of a movement to make democracy open, honest, and inclusive again. From its proud industrial heritage to its forward-looking communities, this area is proving that when you trust people to take part, democracy grows stronger.
Change starts here, in Casnewydd Islwyn.
Be part of it. Register now at openparty.uk to take part in the first open primary in Wales and help shape the future of democracy.
