Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds has committed to delivering “mature, responsible politics” ahead of next year’s Senedd election, highlighting her party’s recent budget agreement with Labour as evidence of their practical approach to governance.
As the sole Lib Dem member in the Welsh Parliament, Dodds negotiated an additional £108 million in funding for key priorities including social care, childcare subsidies, discounted youth bus fares, and a ban on greyhound racing in exchange for supporting the Welsh government’s £26 billion budget. She emphasized this demonstrated her party’s willingness to “put people before political games.”
While remaining coy about whether she’ll emulate UK leader Ed Davey’s headline-grabbing campaign antics which included bungee jumps and paddleboarding during last year’s successful general election campaign Dodds stressed her primary focus remains on achieving tangible results for Wales.
The 2026 election will introduce a new proportional representation system with an expanded 96-seat Senedd. Current polling suggests the Lib Dems may secure just 2-3 seats, though the party recently gained ground with a council by-election victory in Neath Port Talbot.
Dodds faces significant challenges in realizing her ambition to “paint Wales gold” as Welsh businesses contend with rising National Insurance contributions and the impact of recent international trade tariffs.
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