The Welsh Liberal Democrats have announced of Sheila Kingston-Jones as the party’s lead candidate for the South Wales West regional list. This list, until 2016, had always returned a Welsh Liberal Democrat AM and the party is determined to claim back this seat.

Commenting on her selection Sheila Kingston-Jones said:

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be selected to represent my party in South Wales West and lead our candidates on the list. We have a strong local team and I look forward to leading them in campaigning throughout our region on the issues that really matter.

“Our region has been consistently let down by Welsh Labour, while decisions by the UK Government to cancel the electrification of our main line and to shelve the Swansea Tidal Lagoon have also been huge blows to our communities, and the attempts to rejuvenate our economy.

“I am determined to challenge these decisions and demand better for our communities here in South West Wales.”

Former Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for South Wales West Cllr Peter Black said:

“I was proud to represent South Wales West for the Welsh Liberal Democrats for 17 years. Alongside colleagues, I scrutinised the Welsh government, negotiated budgets, had a private members bill passed and delivered Welsh Lib Dem priorities such as securing extra money for schools targeted at less advantaged pupils.

“As an Assembly Member, I held regular surgeries, helped hundreds of constituents with their problems and stood up for Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Maesteg and Bridgend. Unfortunately, the past few years have shown just how badly South West Wales has missed having a hard-working Welsh Lib Dem Assembly Member.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Party President Cllr William Powell commented:

“I welcome the selection of Sheila Kingston-Jones to fly the Welsh Liberal Democrats banner in South Wales West. She will be an outstanding spokesperson for liberalism and a strong champion for her community. We demand better for Wales and for those who have been left behind by an uncaring Tory government in Westminster and out-of-touch Labour councils.

“As a party, our Assembly Members made a huge difference in the Assembly between 1999 and 2016, and our education minister, Kirsty Williams, continues to put our policies into effect. We are determined to send Welsh Liberal Democrats AMs to join her in 2021 so that we can continue to deliver our agenda in Wales, and I am confident that Sheila will be one of those.“