David Chadwick launches bid for Welsh Liberal Democrat leadership

David Chadwick, the MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, has formally announced his candidacy to become the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. He is set to succeed Jane Dodds, who is stepping down after nine years in the role. Under the party’s current constitution, Chadwick is the only eligible candidate, meaning he is expected to be confirmed as leader on November 16, provided he secures 50 nominations from party members.

Chadwick, 35, currently serves as the Liberal Democrats’ Wales spokesperson at Westminster. His leadership platform focuses on economic growth as a means to fund stronger public services. He has emphasized the need for better support for entrepreneurs, investment in transport and infrastructure, and improved opportunities for young people to prevent them from leaving Wales to seek better careers and wages.

In a separate statement regarding the recent national budget, Chadwick criticized the government's measures, stating they lack ambition for rural communities. He specifically noted the absence of a price cap on heating oil and LPG, which leaves many households in rural Wales exposed to volatile global prices.