Jane Dodds, who leads the Liberal Democrats in Wales, has urged her party to adopt a more dynamic approach to politics and policy-making. Speaking at the party's annual conference in Brighton, Dodds reflected on the disappointing results from May's Senedd elections, where her party secured only a single seat despite contesting the vote across Wales.
Dodds expressed regret that Welsh voters did not elect more Liberal Democrat candidates and stressed the importance of understanding the reasons behind the poor performance. She acknowledged that the party must examine its campaign strategy, messaging priorities, and leadership approach to determine what went wrong and how to improve.
"People are right to ask why we didn't win more seats," Dodds told party members. "Was it the squeeze between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK? Were we right to fight this campaign on the NHS and social care? Were we right to be so clear that we oppose independence? What could I, as leader, have done differently? Those are fair questions, and we should learn from them honestly, without flinching."
The party's performance in the Senedd election reflected broader challenges facing the Liberal Democrats. According to election results data, the Welsh Liberal Democrats received 56,012 votes representing a 4.5% share of the vote, finishing sixth nationally. Dodds herself retained her seat representing Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, where the party achieved its strongest performance with 11.77% of the vote in that constituency.
Dodds argued that part of the solution lay in ensuring the public understood that the Liberal Democrats possessed concrete plans and policies capable of improving people's lives. She called for the party to prioritise issues including climate change and wealth inequality, areas where she believed the party could differentiate itself from competitors.
What does Dodds say about climate change?
Climate action represents a central concern for Dodds, who pointed to recent environmental challenges in Wales as evidence of the urgency of the issue. She highlighted how summer wildfires had swept across Welsh countryside, turning green fields brown and recurring with alarming frequency, demonstrating the tangible impact of climate change on communities.
"This summer the green fields of Wales turned brown. Wildfires occurred everywhere and kept reoccurring. This has surely brought home how important climate change is to us all."
Dodds emphasised that politicians could not remain silent on climate matters and must engage in honest, difficult conversations with the public about necessary changes. She outlined specific measures the party should champion, including reducing air travel, investing substantially in public transport infrastructure, and making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for families compared to petrol alternatives.
Her commitment to environmental issues extends beyond rhetoric. Earlier in 2026, Dodds received the Political Purpose Awards' Animal Welfare Award on 8 September 2026 for her role in securing Wales's greyhound racing ban, demonstrating her track record on animal welfare and environmental protection.
What is Dodds' position on artificial intelligence and wealth distribution?
Dodds advocated for protective measures for workers whose employment may be affected by artificial intelligence developments. Rather than allowing technological gains to concentrate among a small number of large corporations, she proposed a redistributive approach to the wealth generated by AI advancement.
"We need to tax the wealth on AI and create a wealth fund that allows us to pay a universal basic income so that the gains of that revolution are shared by everyone not just hoarded by a handful of companies on the other side of the Atlantic."
This proposal reflects broader Liberal Democrat thinking about ensuring technological progress benefits society widely rather than enriching shareholders alone. The party has sought to position itself as addressing inequality and ensuring fair distribution of economic gains from innovation.
How does this fit into broader party strategy?
Dodds' remarks at the Brighton conference occur within a context of internal party debate about the Liberal Democrats' direction and public visibility. The party has faced criticism from within its own ranks regarding its relevance and ability to communicate its platform to voters. Senior figures have demanded bolder messaging and a clearer vision for what the Liberal Democrats represent in contemporary British politics.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats' poor showing in the 2026 Senedd election reflects challenges the party faces across the UK. In the expanded 96-member Senedd, Plaid Cymru dominated with 43 seats while Reform UK secured 34 seats, leaving Labour in third place with only 9 seats. The Liberal Democrats' single seat represented a significant setback for a party seeking to rebuild its presence in devolved institutions.
Dodds' call for the party to be "more exciting" and her emphasis on substantive policy positions on climate, AI, and wealth distribution suggest an attempt to redefine the party's public image and appeal. By articulating clear positions on issues affecting Welsh voters, she appears to be laying groundwork for improved performance in future elections.
What happens next for the Welsh Liberal Democrats?
The Welsh Liberal Democrats will hold their autumn conference in Aberystwyth on 21–22 November 2026. Dodds is scheduled to deliver the Leader's Speech at the conference, providing an opportunity to elaborate on her vision for the party's future direction. The deadline for submitting motions to the conference is 2pm on Wednesday 7 October 2026, allowing party members to shape the agenda for discussion.
Key Facts:
- Jane Dodds is the sole Liberal Democrat representative in the Welsh Senedd following the May 2026 election
- The party received 56,012 votes (4.5% share) across Wales, finishing sixth nationally
- Dodds has called for an AI wealth tax and universal basic income to distribute technological gains
- The Welsh Liberal Democrats' autumn conference takes place in Aberystwyth on 21–22 November 2026
- Dodds was recognised in September 2026 for her role in securing Wales's greyhound racing ban
