Jane Dodds to Resign as Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader, Calls for New Generation

UPDATE - follow-up to Jane Dodds standing down as Welsh Liberal Democrats leader: Jane Dodds announced on Tuesday she will step down as leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. ## Announcement Jane Dodds said she will stay on as the party’s sole Member of the Senedd but believes the task of growing the party’s presence should be led by a new generation. She called leading the party "the honour of my life" and said "now is the right time" to hand over the role. ## Succession The party confirmed that only Welsh Lib Dem MP David Chadwick is currently eligible to seek the leadership. Nominations open on 23 October and close on 16 November. ## Reaction President Tim Sly praised Dodds for leading with warmth, determination and integrity through turbulent years, adding she leaves the party stronger in its communities and ready to build. ## Context The Welsh Liberal Democrats have held just one seat in the Senedd since 2016, first occupied by Kirsty Williams and then by Dodds from 2021. Dodds, a former social worker, became the party’s Welsh leader in November 2017 and now urges younger activists to take the reins.