Welsh Liberal Democrats elect Dodds as new leader

Jane Dodds (centre) with Kirsty Williams, who's been acting leader, and Elizabeth Evans, who narrowly lost the leadership contest. Credit: ITV News Cymru Wales

  • by Nick Powell

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have elected Jane Dodds from Welshpool as their new leader. She narrowly beat her only rival, Ceredigion councillor Elizabeth Evans.

  • Jane Dodds - 53.1%

  • Elizabeth Evans - 46.9%

  • Turnout was 35.2%

Jane Dodds takes over from acting Leader Kirsty Williams, who couldn't return to the role full time because she is a minister in the Welsh Labour Government, despite being the only Liberal Democrat AM.

The previous leader, Mark Williams, left office when he lost the Welsh Lib Dems only Westminster seat of Ceredigion in the General Election. The party had to drop a rule that required the leader to be either an AM or MP. After a series of disastrous elections, Jane Dodds faces the task of rebuilding her party.