The key facts
- Jane Dodds announced she is stepping down as leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats while remaining a Member of the Senedd
- The party said only David Chadwick can currently stand to replace her
- Nominations: 23 October – 16 November
Announcement of departure
Jane Dodds announced on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, that she is stepping down as leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. She will remain the party's only Member of the Senedd, but said the work of strengthening the party's presence in the Welsh parliament 'must be carried out by a new generation'. 'Leading the Welsh Liberal Democrats has been the honour of my life,' Dodds said, adding that 'now is the right time' to hand over the post.
Who could succeed Dodds
According to party representatives, at this stage only the Welsh Liberal Democrats' MP David Chadwick is eligible to stand for the leadership. Nominations open on 23 October and close on 16 November.
Background
Dodds represents the Brecon and Radnorshire (Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd) constituency in the Senedd, to which she was elected in 2021. She is a social worker by training and took over the Welsh Liberal Democrats in November 2017. Since 2016 the party has been represented in Cardiff Bay by only one member — first former leader Kirsty Williams, and then, from 2021, Dodds.
Motivation and reaction
'After the May elections I thought seriously about what our party needs,' Dodds said. 'Wales needs more than one liberal voice in the Senedd. Building such a team will require years of hard work in communities across the country, and I believe this work must be carried out by a new generation.' President of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Tim Sly thanked Dodds, noting that she 'led the party with warmth, determination and decency through some of the most turbulent years in Welsh and British politics', and that she leaves the party 'stronger in communities and ready to build'.
Image source, Getty Images Jane Dodds has been a Senedd member since 2021 and became Welsh Lib Dem leader in 2017
