Jane Dodds has explained why she helped the Welsh Government’s 2025-26 budget get voted through at the Senedd.

As the sole Liberal Democrat member, her abstention from the vote meant that the budget was approved by 29 votes to 28.

The Mid and West Wales MS said that on the day of the vote, she had felt “a deep sense of responsibility”.

But James Evans, Conservative MS for Brecon and Radnorshire says the budget falls “woefully short” in addressing the challenges facing Mid Wales, and that’s why he voted against it.

Ms Dodds said: “This budget is crucial not just for the progress we've made but for securing vital funding.

“If we don't pass this budget, we risk losing billions for the people of Wales, and I cannot in good conscience let that happen.

“Let me be clear. This is not the budget I would have chosen for Wales. It doesn't, for me, deliver the bold, ambitious future we deserve.

“But I am proud of the key victories of the Welsh Liberal Democrats - wins that will improve lives and spark real, meaningful change.

“We've secured additional funding for childcare and social care, critical services for our most vulnerable.”

Ms Dodds said she was proud that her party had prioritised “these often overlooked fields”.

She told MSs: “Our children and elderly deserve the greatest investments, and I'm pleased that we've directed more resources towards their care.

“There's always more to fight for. Take childcare. Securing 12.5 hours of free childcare for every two-year-old across Wales is a good start.

“But it can't be the end, not when the cost of care remains one of the most pressing issues for all our families.

“Our ultimate goal must be 30 hours of free high-quality childcare for all children from nine months onwards.

“This is not just about early childhood development. It’s about tackling child poverty and empowering parents, particularly mothers, to return to work. I'm proud of what we've achieved so far in Wales, but I won't stop demanding more.

“On social care, the £30 million we've secured will help streamline the healthcare journey, stopping people from ending up in hospital and smoothing the shift from hospital to home.”

James Evans said he was “staggered” that Ms Dodds allowed the budget to pass, claiming that Mid and West Wales stands to “benefit very little” from it.

He accused the Lib Dems of “neglecting” Mid Wales to “prop up a failing Welsh Labour administration”.

Mr Evans said: “Although specific initiatives like the Wyeside Arts Centre and Pontybat crossroads have been allocated more funding, this budget simply does not address the urgent healthcare, economic, and other significant challenges facing Brecon and Radnorshire.

“The Welsh Lib Dems blame the Welsh Government for not giving them enough money, yet today we see Jane Dodds allowing Labour’s failing budget to pass anyway.”

“This agreement is a cheap date for Labour, but an expensive mistake for Wales and the people of Brecon and Radnorshire,” he added.