Next Senedd election ‘biggest chance for Lib Dems in decades’

But she praised the Mark Drakeford-era basic income pilot, saying she was “really proud” of the scheme that gives care leavers £400 a week in cash.

The Liberal Democrats won a record 72 seats across Great Britain in July.

That included one seat in Wales – in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe – breaking a seven year run of the Welsh party failing to win a seat at a Westminster general election.

The next Senedd election will abolish first past the post, and introduce a more proportional system which aims to better reflect how people voted.

The system chosen, dubbed closed lists, had sparked concerns from Dodds that it could exclude the Liberal Democrats and other small parties.

Ms Dodds told conference: “This year, across the United Kingdom, Liberal Democrats have shown just how well we can win under first past the post.

“In 2026, we need to show that we can win big under proportional representation.

“The opportunity put on the table is to cover Wales in Liberal Democrat Gold.

“This is the biggest electoral opportunity we have had in decades – and we need to take it.”

She said she wanted to replicate the General Election result in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe “in the Senedd elections in 2026. We have to see that replicated all over Wales.”

The Mid and West Wales MS added: “I want some friends with me in the Welsh Parliament in 2026. I no longer want to be billy no mates anymore.”