Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds selected as main mid and west Wales Senedd candidate

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds has been selected as the party’s main candidate on the mid and west Wales list.

The list seat is seen as the party’s best bet of picking up a sat if they miss out on Brecon and Radnorshire where the incumbent, Education Minister Kirsty Williams, is stepping down.

Jane Dodds, a former MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, lost out on an attempt to represent the Senedd seat for the Liberal Democrats when former Assembly Member William Powell beat her for selection.

William Powell will also join Jane Dodds on the list, alongside Alistair Cameron, Cllr Stephen Churchman and the Ceredigion candidate, Cadan ap Tomos.

In 2016 the Welsh Liberal Democrats were just 2,214 votes short in a region of almost 450,000 voters from winning a regional seat in addition to Brecon and Radnorshire.

‘Difference’

“I’m delighted to be leading the list in Mid and West Wales,” Jane Dodds said. “As we emerge from lockdown and hopefully put Covid behind us we need a strong voice in our Senedd to ensure our rural communities are represented in the corridors of power.

“I am passionate about bringing people together, improving life chances for the least advantaged and finding ways to protect the natural world while generating a thriving economy.

“If elected I will speak up for all of Mid and West Wales and ensure that in the coming years every decision I make will help put our recovery first.”

William Powell added: “I am looking forward to this campaign. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the difference one Liberal Democrat can make to the Senedd and I’m keen to see that number grow.

“Mid and West Wales is a very special place made up of unique communities, with land farmed by families over the generations and vibrant towns and villages each of which add character to the Wales we know today.

“I’m looking forward to fighting a positive campaign that champions the issues that matter to people across Mid and West Wales.”