Party says momentum is building as conference approaches
THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS say momentum is building ahead of next year’s Senedd elections after several councillors joined the party in the past week.
The party confirmed that two councillors representing the Uplands ward in Swansea, Sandra Joy and Allan Jeffery, have joined the Liberal Democrats after previously sitting as Independents.
In north Wales, Flintshire councillor Fran Lister has also left Labour to join the party. The Liberal Democrats said another independent councillor in Powys has also rejoined the party.
Party officials say the move reflects growing frustration with Welsh Labour after more than two decades in power in Cardiff Bay.
The defections in Swansea are seen as particularly significant as the city is considered one of the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ key targets at the next Senedd election.
The party’s lead candidate in the area is Cllr Sam Bennett, who is standing in Swansea at the election.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats say they are also focusing on areas where they already have a strong local government presence, including Powys and Ceredigion, as well as Cardiff and Swansea, where the party currently serves as the official opposition to Labour on the council.
The party has also suggested more councillors could join in the run-up to the election.
Welcoming the councillors to the party, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS said:
“After 27 years in power, Welsh Labour has become stale, complacent and increasingly out of ideas. Too often, the politics of Cardiff Bay has become inward-looking and comfortable, while communities across Wales feel they are being taken for granted.
“That is why more and more people, including local councillors who know their communities best, are deciding that the time has come for change.
“Sandra, Allan and Fran are all strong local champions who have shown they are willing to stand up for their communities and speak out when things are not right. I’m delighted they have chosen to join our growing team.
“Across Wales, progressive voters who want change are increasingly looking for a new political home.
“The Liberal Democrats are proud to offer that home, a party that believes in strong public services, thriving local communities and delivering real change for Wales.
“These new additions to our team show that momentum is building behind the Welsh Liberal Democrats ahead of the Senedd elections.”
