Mark Williams is new Welsh Lib Dem leader

Despite her stonking good constituency result, the overall loss of four Welsh Assembly members triggered Kirsty Williams’s decision to stand down as leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

During coalition, she led the Welsh Lib Dems to one of the best election results for the party, holding on far better than the party did in almost every other election. Alas, 2016 did not see a repeat of such political gravity defying acts.

Mark Williams, MP for Ceredigion and bearer of an excellent first name*, is the new Welsh Liberal Democrat leader. As the only other Welsh Lib Dem Parliamentarian he was also the only other person who qualified to stand, so this was not the most surprising of outcomes…

Mark said:

It is a great honour to become leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

It is a great challenge to follow in the footsteps of Kirsty Williams, who has served us outstandingly for eight years through challenging times. Every one of us owe her a huge debt of gratitude.

These coming months and years will test the flame of liberalism, and I will do everything possible to ensure that flame burns brightly again across our great nation.

Despite the election results, I’m heartened by the growing number of members and activists joining us because they believe in our cause, and I call on any person who shares our values to join us in our fight.

Best of luck in a tough role Mark and thank you Kirsty.

* But not Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter films.