Welsh Liberal Democrats to Launch Senedd Election Manifesto
The Welsh Liberal Democrats are set to unveil their party manifesto for the upcoming Senedd election on Tuesday morning.
Party leader Jane Dodds has committed to safeguarding the NHS through a £300 million investment in social care, providing additional support for childcare, and ensuring that "not a penny" is allocated towards initiatives aimed at Wales leaving the United Kingdom.
The party aims to improve upon its 2021 election outcome, when Dodds was re-elected as the sole Welsh Liberal Democrat member in the Senedd.
On 7 May, voters across Wales will elect 96 new Senedd members, an increase from the previous 60.
Jane Dodds’ Role and Budget Negotiations
Despite being the only Welsh Liberal Democrat in the Senedd, Jane Dodds has previously participated in budget negotiations with the Welsh government and has expressed willingness to engage in such talks again.
During the 2025 budget discussions, Dodds successfully advocated for a ban on greyhound racing, increased funding for childcare, and discounted bus travel.
However, Dodds has cautioned that any support she offers should not involve funding for efforts towards Welsh independence.
"Not a penny" is to be spent on moves towards Wales leaving the United Kingdom.
This stance could potentially preclude a coalition with Plaid Cymru, which is competing to win the election alongside Reform and has pledged to establish a national committee to prepare the case for independence, with an estimated cost of £500,000.
Policy Proposals and Environmental Commitments
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have pledged a universal childcare package providing 30 hours per week over 48 weeks annually for all children aged nine months to four years.
Additionally, the party has committed to environmental improvements, including increased funding for Natural Resources Wales and a ban on bonuses for water company executives until sewage discharges into rivers and seas are eliminated.
Party Challenges and Prospects
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have faced challenges maintaining their presence in Welsh politics over the past decade, having been reduced to a single Member of the Senedd (MS) in 2016.
Jane Dodds, a former Member of Parliament, was first elected to the Senedd in 2021 and remains the only Liberal Democrat representative in the parliament.
Dodds has expressed optimism about the party’s prospects, suggesting they could win five seats in the upcoming election, which would be sufficient to establish an official Senedd group.
