The Brecon and Radnorshire by-election had "warning signs which should have flagged concerns" ahead of last year's General Election, an internal Liberal Democrat inquiry has concluded.
Despite winning the seat from the Conservatives in August 2019, the review states that a "warning light was missed; or at worst ignored".
ALSO READ:
- Powys Council apologises to resident for data breach
- Tips to reopen for essential use in Powys next week
- Police search for wanted man with links to Hereford, Leominster and Ewyas Harold
The report reads: "At the height of defections, optimism and strong polling came the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election on August 1, where the party threw absolutely everything at the seat with hundreds of activists travelling to mid Wales to campaign.
"Yet, while the by-election produced a victorious outcome with Jane Dodds gaining the seat from the Conservatives, there were warning signs which should have flagged concerns.
"The level of activity that it took to win Brecon & Radnorshire was huge. The level of investment – especially in people on the ground, which depleted the HQ field resources for the duration of the campaign – was exceptional and there is a strong local party (it is the only Lib Dem-held seat in the Welsh Senedd).
"However, even with all the resources that come with supporting a by-election the majority we gained was small."
Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds lost the constituency, which covers border communities such as Hay-on-Wye, Presteigne and Knighton, to Fay Jones during the general election in December.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel