David Chadwick MP has announced he wants to become the next leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

The MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, 35, was elected to Parliament in 2024 and is the party's Wales spokesperson at Westminster.

He is seeking to succeed Jane Dodds MS, who announced she was stepping down after nine years as leader. The new leader is due to formally take office on November 16.

Mr Chadwick said he wanted to focus on growing the Welsh economy, improving public services and creating more opportunities for young people.

He argued that economic growth was needed to support better jobs, higher wages and stronger public services, and said Wales should become one of the best places in Britain to start and grow a business.

His priorities include supporting entrepreneurs, investing in transport and infrastructure, and improving education, skills and innovation.

Mr Chadwick also said too many young people felt they had to leave Wales to find rewarding careers and earn decent wages.

David Chadwick
David Chadwick has confirmed that he is putting himself forward to become the next leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats (Welsh Lib Dems)

Wales has ‘enormous potential’

He said: "Wales is a country with enormous potential. We have talented young people, innovative businesses and communities with the ambition to achieve great things. But too often, that ambition isn't matched by the opportunities available to people.

“I want to see a Wales where hard work is rewarded, where businesses have the confidence to invest and grow, and where young people can build successful lives without feeling they have to leave Wales to get ahead.

“Economic growth and strong public services go hand in hand. By supporting enterprise, creating better jobs and raising living standards, we can build the prosperity needed to improve the services we all depend on.

"That is the kind of optimistic, ambitious liberalism I believe in. A politics that believes in people's potential and gives them the freedom and opportunities to succeed.”

Vision to ‘rebuild’ the party

Mr Chadwick acknowledged the Welsh Liberal Democrats faced a challenge in rebuilding support following recent electoral setbacks.

He said the party needed to stop thinking and acting like a minor party if it wanted to become a significant force in Welsh politics.

“I want to rebuild the Welsh Liberal Democrats as a confident political force, rooted in our communities and capable of helping shape the future of Wales,” he said.

Mr Chadwick is expected to set out more details of his vision for the party in the coming weeks.