Jane Dodds
Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the SeneddArguing that Wales faces a defining choice in 2026, Jane Dodds sets out the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ case for a fairer economy, properly funded public services, and a stronger Senedd within a federal UK, offering voters a pragmatic alternative to constitutional trench warfare.
As Wales approaches the 2026 Senedd election, we stand at a pivotal moment. The choices made in the next Parliament will shape our nation’s economic resilience, social fabric, and constitutional future for a generation. Against those parties that choose division, the Welsh Liberal Democrats are ready to offer a constructive, forward‑looking agenda rooted in fairness, opportunity, and a belief that Wales thrives when power is shared, communities are supported, and government is accountable.
A Parliament Focused on Solutions, Not Division
In the next Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats will work constructively across parties, as we always have, to deliver practical solutions. While other parties will be focusing on endless constitutional arguments while our NHS struggles under pressure, we promise to focus on a fairer economy, stronger public services, and a confident, outward‑looking Wales.
Building a Strong, Sustainable Welsh Economy
Wales faces deep‑seated economic challenges: sluggish productivity, persistent regional inequality, and a labour market still recovering from the shocks of the pandemic and the UK’s changing trading environment. Our priority is to build a modern, green, high‑skill economy that works for every part of Wales.
We will champion investment in renewable energy, recognising Wales’ extraordinary natural assets and the potential for thousands of high‑quality jobs. We will push for a long‑term industrial strategy that supports small businesses, strengthens our foundational economy and ensures that skills, apprenticeships, and training are aligned with the needs of the future workforce.
Crucially, we will continue to argue for fair funding for Wales. The current fiscal settlement leaves our public services under strain and undermines the ability of the Senedd to deliver for its citizens. A reformed funding model – transparent, needs‑based, and sustainable – is essential. We will push for further devolution of rail so that Wales gets its fair share, alongside the devolution of the Crown Estate.
A Social Contract That Works for Everyone
The next Senedd must confront the pressures facing our NHS, social care system, and local services. The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to lead the debate on creating a sustainable, person‑centred social care system – one that values the workforce, supports unpaid carers and ensures dignity for all who rely on care.
We will advocate for a renewed focus on mental health, early intervention, and community‑based support. We will do this through raising 1p on the Welsh Rate of Income Tax. This would generate £330 million for the Welsh Government to spend on social care. This would be short-term, but necessary to undo years of neglect.
Our commitment to tackling poverty remains unwavering. Wales cannot accept a future where child poverty continues to rise. We will press for targeted support for families, investment in affordable housing, and a social security system that treats people with dignity.
Welsh LibDems: Strengthening Wales’ Constitutional Future
Wales’ constitutional settlement is no longer fit for purpose. The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to champion a stronger, more accountable Senedd with the powers it needs to deliver for the people of Wales. We support a federal UK where power is genuinely shared, and where Wales has a clear, respected voice.
All of this is a way of providing a vision of a Liberal Wales that guarantees the future of Welsh freedoms in the context of a Federal United Kingdom.
This article features in the new edition of ChamberUK. Our parliamentary journal.
Photo Credit: Office of Jane Dodds