Jane Dodds steps down from head of Welsh Liberal Democrats

Jane Dodds is leaving her post as head of the Welsh Liberal Democrats after leading the party since November 2017. She stated that the time has come to pass the responsibility to a fresh generation, even though she will keep her seat as the group's sole representative in the Senedd. At the moment, David Chadwick stands as the only eligible party member who can run to succeed her. Party rules mean that the window for nominations opens on October 23 and shuts on November 16.

Context

Leadership changes in smaller political groups often spark internal contests to rebuild voter support and grow their seats in parliament. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have held only one seat in the Senedd since 2016, first through Kirsty Williams and later through Dodds.