Jane Dodds to stand down as Welsh Liberal Democrats leader
Jane Dodds has announced she will stand down as leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats after nine years in the post.
She spoke exclusively to ITV Cymru Wales about her decision, ITV News. Ms Dodds became leader in November 2017 and is a former social worker.
Ms Dodds said she will remain the party's only Member of the Senedd, Wales' parliament, where she represents Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, BBC. She said leading the Welsh Liberal Democrats has been the honour of her life and that now is the right time to hand over.
She said work to increase the party's presence in the Senedd should be led by a new generation. She said she would focus on holding the Welsh Government to its promises, Nation.Cymru.
The party has been represented by just one member in Cardiff Bay, where the Senedd meets, since 2016. Kirsty Williams was its single representative there before Ms Dodds took over representation in 2021.
Nominations to choose a successor will open on 23 October and close on 16 November. David Chadwick, the party's only MP in Wales, is eligible to seek nomination at this stage.
