Mid Wales MS under pressure over 'shortcomings' in Church of England case

The leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds MS, is under scrutiny this week for her time working for the Church of England, after making a “grave error of judgement” during a case of abuse by a late former bishop.

Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has said that Ms Dodds should reflect on her position and “think about what else she may need to do.”

A 2021 report found that Ms Dodds made a “grave error of judgement” when she failed to organise a meeting to discuss a particular case of abuse from ex-Chester bishop Hubert Whitsey who sexually abused at least 18 victims over 15 years, between 1966 and 1981.

On Tuesday, November 12, Justin Welby resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury due to pressure over his failure to report prolific child abuser John Smyth.

Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey shied away from saying Ms Dodds should resign, but did say she should reflect: “I accept that she has apologised, but this is such a serious issue, so I think she does need to think about what else she may need to do. I've made my feelings really clear to her about what I think she should do and I think she's reflecting. I hope she does."

Ms Dodds has apologised and has said that she will remain the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Following the interview with Laura Kuenssberg, , the only Welsh Liberal Democrat Member of the Senedd, Jane Dodds MS said: “Following a phone conversation with Ed Davey, I spoke directly with local party colleagues and met with the Welsh Board, who have expressed their confidence in my leadership.

“Following these conversations, and discussions with other colleagues across the party, I have decided to continue fighting for the people of Wales in my role as Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

“I have made child protection my life’s work, having worked in the field for over twenty years prior to entering politics. This is why I have dedicated my position in the Senedd to ensuring that child care and child protection services across Wales are safer and fairer.

“My heart goes out to the victims of this appalling abuse. As detailed in this report, I worked closely with the authorities on this historic case, which was one of many that I worked on. I accepted at the time that there were shortcomings in organising meetings about this case. In the report I acknowledged these shortcomings and I whole-heartedly apologise to the victims for the delays that this contributed to.”

Tim Sly, President of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, commented:  “The Board of the Welsh Liberal Democrats met with Jane Dodds on Saturday and had an opportunity to discuss in some depth with her the matters raised in the Report. Following this discussion, the Board expressed its complete confidence in Jane Dodds as Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, and considers the matter closed.”