Two Swansea councillors join Liberal Democrats in boost ahead of Senedd election

Two Uplands councillors have joined the Welsh Liberal Democrats, strengthening the party’s position in Swansea ahead of the Senedd elections in May.

Councillors Sandra Joy and Allan Jeffery, previously Independents, have announced they are joining the Liberal Democrats, saying the party offers the strongest platform to stand up for their community and challenge the direction of local politics.

Welcoming them to the party, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said:

"Sandra and Allan are exactly the kind of councillors communities want representing them. Rooted in their area, working hard for residents and not afraid to speak up when something was not right.

"With high streets struggling, services stretched and communities feeling taken for granted, the task ahead is clear. Only the Liberal Democrats can beat Labour, stop Reform and deliver for Swansea."

The move comes as the Liberal Democrats continue to build momentum locally ahead of the Senedd elections, where Cllr Sam Bennett is the party’s lead candidate in the area.

Commenting, Cllr Bennett said more and more people across Swansea were looking for an alternative to Labour and were concerned about the rise of Reform.

He said the Liberal Democrats were building a strong team focused on local communities, supporting high streets and standing up for residents.

Councillor Sandra Joy said joining the Liberal Democrats felt like the right step for the future of Swansea.

She said that across Swansea you could feel the momentum building, with more people realising the Liberal Democrats were the ones taking the fight to Labour and standing up to Reform.

She added that she and Allan were still the same people who would speak their minds and fight for Uplands every day, but now as part of a growing team ready to take the city in a better direction.

The announcement was made at an event at Brynmill Community Centre where party members and supporters gathered to welcome the councillors to the Liberal Democrat team.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats say the move reflects growing support locally and strengthens their position as the party best placed to beat Labour in Swansea and stop Reform.

ENDS