The constitutional case the Welsh Lib Dems refuse to make
9 April 2026
Dear editor,
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have abandoned the one constitutional lane they could plausibly own: federalism.
In a press release from January 2026, Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds argued that Plaid Cymru’s vision for an independent Wales would bankrupt the country, that the Welsh Lib Dems would refuse to support a government that spends “a single pound on independence”, and that they would instead talk about tackling the cost-of-living crisis, the NHS and Welsh public services.
Noble causes, but nothing that actually tells voters what we’re about, or what we stand for constitutionally.
This is a real shame, as federalism is not an alien concept imposed upon the Welsh Liberal Democrats, but is part of the Welsh Liberal tradition itself. In 2020, the Welsh and Scottish Liberal Democrats formally submitted a motion to their party conference calling for a truly federal UK, which was passed. More broadly, Welsh Liberal support for home rule emerged in the late 1880s and early 1890s, shaped by the Liberal turn towards self-government within the UK rather than complete separation.
As it stands, Plaid Cymru and Reform UK are setting the terms of the Senedd election, forcing voters to choose between two different strains of nationalism. Adopting generic anti-independence rhetoric does nothing to change this, only making us sound like a liberal version of Welsh Labour, or a softer version of the Welsh Conservatives. In an election dominated by Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, this is a recipe for irrelevance.
Latest polls suggest that Plaid Cymru will be the largest party, followed by Reform, an incredibly weakened Labour, and a Tory Party reduced to one seat. The Welsh Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, are predicted to be wiped out, losing their sole seat in the Senedd. This prediction could become a reality if we fail to be bold in our offerings to the electorate.
That boldness must begin with embracing our federalism, openly and proudly. We must position ourselves as the party which offers an actual alternative, something that the other parties cannot: a stronger Wales within a re-made union. Federalism would allow us to bridge divides among voters: greater independence while maintaining the union, without turning communities on each other. More power for Wales, while ensuring a safety net remains in place.
This is our opportunity to take hold of the narrative. If we don’t occupy the federalist ground, someone else will entirely occupy the constitutional debate. Plaid will own the argument on change; Reform will weaponise backlash further; Labour and the Tories will default to managerial unionism. The Welsh Liberal Democrats will be left with neither a constitutional identity nor an electoral rationale.
Yours faithfully,
Jack Meredith
