Election Eve Interview 1: The Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

On the night before the devolved elections, the Independent is releasing several interviews we conducted with the devolved leaders.

Attached is our interview with Rhysdallen.

Last time I interviewed you, it was as Welsh Tory leader.
How'd you get from there to here?

"It began on a family holiday actually. I was talking to my wife and some friends round a table during one of our evenings in. We had all taken, as we always do, books to read during our get aways and I had been recommended 'David Cameron: For the Record" by a colleague of mine. I took up their suggestion and began reading. During the later chapters of the book, there is a discussion on devolution and whether the 2014 referendum was the right thing to do. Mr Cameron ultimately concluded that it was and the simple takeaway that he had on the matter was; we are a democracy, and it is because we are Conservatives that we listen to the people's voices and let them have their say. That is was wrong to deny calls for independence or more devolution and it would only sow resentment against the Union.

I sat on this book for many days, read the chapters over and over again. Before I concluded that Cameron was right then and is still right now - we cannot ignore the voices of those that were shouting out for change especially when, like in 2014, they had a democratic and parliamentary mandate. So, I put in my note to the Government that I think we needed to change course. I approached leadership and was kindly put on the back burner. I returned to the Senedd and continued to face personal attacks, lots of aggression and a 'exclude the tory' attitude from the Senedd floor. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I was told to stick to the line, no matter how unconvincing and was forced to spout a view I did not support. Eventually, I had enough.

So, I spoke up for my view. I spoke up for reason and calm, I spoke up for democratic values and the right to self determination - all supposedly Conservative views. Which, I think in the new leadership there are. So I was forced out, despite still having the support of my devolved party. I felt that I was not able to stay in the Welsh or National Conservatives and so came to the Liberal Democrats and was quickly appointed leader."

Have any other views of yours changed since your time as Conservative Leader?

"I certainly like I've become more liberal on my views in the Justice System and drug policy. My economic views of lower taxation on the Basic rate and for small and local businesses have remained the same and so has my compassionate education reforms. I am, as I have always been, a very bipartisan man.

I have certainly taken up a much more pro-devolution stance for a wide variety of issues which the Welsh People have shown signs of wanting to cease also.

I think, having moved to a party which was non-existent and rebuilt it, I have become more determined in my political drive but also more patient with the system and the workings of the Senedd. I've gained a greater appreciation."

Lets talk about the LPUK Cymru merger vote. How did you get to the point of having a proposed deal?

"A fellow member of leadership was approached and asked by the LPUK if the LPC and WLD would be willing to merge. I always believe in exploring offers made and seeing if there can be a good solution. I hoped there may have been. So I went into negotiations. We negotiated and came away with something, it was in no way perfect and I had quiet objections but, as we live in a democracy, it was my duty to put it to party members. So we did. The rest is history."

How did you vote on the deal?

"I, as I have on every merger deal, abstained. I have negotiated the deal and it is up to the party to decide. I would have been as determined in the upcoming election either way. I dont believe it is good for a negotiator to voice their opinion on a deal they have negotiated for fear their reputation or gravitas or whatever it may be could coerce voters to do so without reason but instead with their personal loyalties."

Doesn’t it say something about the deal one reaches if you can’t vote either way on it? How is the public to know where you stand?

"Perhaps it does say something about the deal one reaches. I think another thing that truly lead to me abstaining was the fact I still thought the Liberal Democrats have more to do. I think we have more to prove in Wales. However, I believe that the public understand that you cannot take yourself to court in your own living room. You present the cases for and against and let those who are voting decide."

Lets go into the campaign. If you end up the kingmaker after the election results, which side broadly would you prefer get into power?

"Well, it's no secret the great friendship which I had with former First Minister Salami, and indeed I still am disheartened by his departure. However, I think for the People of Wales, that may be a good thing - any Government I go into could no longer be based on "which leader and I closest with" but instead "which deal would be better for Wales.

But let me be frank with you, I actually don't know yet. I haven't seen the manifestos and I haven't seen a candidates list, so I can't tell you what each party is offering other than what we are"

How would you like to see justice devolution implemented?

"With it's full implementation granted as was the decision of the Welsh People.

I desire to see a system of reformation, education and redirection. A system which does not punish for punishments sake.

I want to see a focus towards rehabilitating those who have breached the law back into society where it is so possible and to avoid placing those who have committed smaller crimes in prison for petty sentences.

Perhaps the biggest reform I want to see is the removal of sentences under 24 months. They simply do more harm than good."

Would you replace them with anything?

"I would indeed whether they be re-education courses, house arrest, community service or likewise would be dependent upon the crime and at the discretion of a case by case basis."

How best do you think funding devolution should be handled?

"Well, on the matter of justice, coatings should be drawn up for how much the cost is in Wales and then that money granted from HM Treasury as part of the block grant. I would be most grateful for an original addition so that the Senedd may prepare its desired alterations but that should only be an initial boost."

When would you like to see a budget presented and do you think one should have been drawn up this term?

"I would have liked to have seen one this term. It would've shown Labour's hand and it's a damning condition with the amount of Finance Ministers we had.

I would like a budget in around February/March. Allowing the new Government and chamber to settle in before cracking down to the nitty gritty. Get the Senedd accustomed to the new routine and get any bill's needing funding out the way."

Would a budget have to be passed by WM before a Senedd passes a budget?

"Well with a new funding formula and other situations negotiated since then, especially now with Justice, it is almost imperative that WM passes a budget. Indeed  it likely needs to do so to enable the Senedd to do so to.

Although, I think we could still look into getting one  through considering how divided the Commons is."

Lets wrap up with a summation. What is the number one thing you want the Welsh people to think about when they go to the polls?

"I want them to think about where they desire their children's futures to go, how they want their aunts and uncles and cousins to live, how they want to thrive? I want them to think about their research, to vote for the interests of all in society, the health of their family and all of their associates. I want them to know that the Liberal Democrats want to empower them, I want them to vote with the reason and consideration they showed in the Justice Referendum."