Welsh Liberal Democrats promise to 'put people first'

A promise to "put people first" has been made by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, launching their assembly election campaign.

They highlighted policies, including smaller class sizes and providing more nurses and apprenticeship places.

The launch took place in Llanrhystud, Ceredigion, on Thursday.

Praising the work of the five-strong group of Lib Dem AMs, Welsh party leader Kirsty Williams said "size does not matter, but what you do with it".

She said the Lib Dems would show they were the "party who listens".

Speaking ahead of the launch, Ms Williams said: "We will put people first, which is why our priorities are your priorities: more nurses on hospital wards, smaller class sizes for our children, and an opportunity economy so that people can get on in life."

The party goes into the election with five of the 60 assembly members but opinion polls have suggested it would struggle to retain those seats.

Earlier this year, informal talks between the Welsh Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and the Greens for an assembly electoral pact failed to end in agreement.

"People feel let down by a Labour government that still fails to get the basics right with our public services and they are tired of politicians constantly lecturing them," Ms Williams said.

"For over 150 years, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have been fighting for fairness for our communities. We will continue to listen, so we can deliver a Wales that works for you."

Welsh Liberal Democrat party pledges

• More nurses on hospital wards

• Smaller infant school class sizes

• Building 20,000 affordable homes over five years

• A "small business administration" offering independent advice and finance

• Business rate flexibility for councils to boost economic development

• Cutting the basic rate of income tax by 1p to 19% in Wales