Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Apologises for ‘Letting Down’ Church of England Abuse Victims
Jane Dodds, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Senedd member for Brecon and Radnorshire, has issued a public apology for failing abuse victims within the Church of England. Dodds, who worked for the Church for 12 months, was named in a critical report that highlighted her failure to address a case of abuse by Bishop Hubert Victor Whitsey, who committed “appalling acts” against children, teenagers, and vulnerable adults between 1966 and 1981. Despite calls for her resignation from her Westminster leader, Dodds has acknowledged her shortcomings and expressed regret for her actions but has chosen to remain in her position as the party’s leader in Wales.
During a recent interview on BBC Radio Wales, Dodds admitted to a “grave error of judgement” in not convening a meeting to address the abuse case in a timely manner. She emphasised her immediate acceptance of responsibility and offered sincere apologies to the victims, underscoring their importance in such situations. Dodds acknowledged the delay in providing justice to the survivors and expressed her regret for letting them down. She acknowledged that the guidelines stipulated a meeting should have been arranged within 48 hours, but due to the demands of her role and prioritisation of cases, the meeting was delayed for six months.
Despite facing criticism for her handling of the abuse case, Dodds maintained that she had always endeavoured to protect children and young people throughout her 25 years of work in child protection. Following discussions with party leaders and reflecting on feedback from various quarters, Dodds confirmed her intention to continue as the Welsh Liberal Democrat leader and focus on the upcoming Senedd elections in 2026. She also addressed the evolving nature of her relationship with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, stating that differences of opinion take time to resolve but progress is being made towards reconciliation.
Dodds defended her performance during her dual roles as a Senedd election candidate and Church of England employee, highlighting the challenges of balancing responsibilities. She refuted claims of neglecting her duties and reiterated the importance of both roles in her professional life. While facing questions about past criticisms in her social care work, Dodds maintained that she had always strived to do her best in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Emphasising the autonomy of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Dodds asserted that the Welsh party leaders had expressed confidence in her leadership.
In conclusion, Dodds reaffirmed her commitment to leading the Welsh Liberal Democrats and expressed gratitude for the support received from party members in Wales. She underlined her focus on the forthcoming Senedd elections and expressed willingness to collaborate with Sir Ed Davey and the wider party to advance the party’s agenda in Wales. Despite the challenges and criticisms faced, Dodds remains resolute in her determination to address past failures, support abuse victims, and lead the party towards future electoral success.