Backing Kirsty
People from across Wales are supporting Kirsty Williams’ campaign to become leader of the Welsh Lib Dems. Join the growing team.
Kirsty’s support comes from Assembly Members, Members of Parliament, the House of Lords, Candidates, Councillors and Activists. People from every part of Wales are supporting Kirsty’s campaign.
Peter Black AM, South Wales West
“I am supporting Kirsty Williams for leader because this party needs a real change, we need to look to the next generation for a leader to inspire people, lead us into the future and to give this party a distinctive look.”
Mick Bates AM, Montgomeryshire
“I’m looking to the future and I believe Kirsty has the unique selling point that will carry us forward. She engages across the generations, with a charisma that will put the Welsh Liberal Democrats at the centre of Welsh politics.”
Mark Williams MP, Ceredigion
“Kirsty has the most important qualities for leadership: she is an exceptional communicator, with a passion for people as well as for Welsh politics – this shines through in her ability to reach out to people of all ages and from all backgrounds. She is as inspiring and passionate as she is effective and energetic.
“A brilliant grassroots campaigner – she has ably demonstrated the dedication and commitment that she will bring to the leadership through her hard work and gains in Brecon and Radnor over the past decade.
“Kirsty is a conviction politician. She cares about those less fortunate in society. As an accomplished communicator she will put the Liberal Democrat message across most effectively to the people of Wales. She is just the leader the party needs to give us a fresh, new image as a forward-thinking party of the 21st century.”
Roger Williams MP, Brecon and Radnorshire
“I’ve been Kirsty’s colleague for the least 7 years and seen her work first hand for over a decade. Each time she has stood for election she has increased her majority and she has done that through commitment, willpower, talent and an ability to inspire others. As leader of the Welsh Lib Dems she will set us apart, raise our aspirations and win us more votes.”
Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire
“Kirsty has been a real inspiration for me, and I know she can inspire a new generation of Liberal Democrat activists across Wales. Kirsty has the right vision and ambition for the party in Wales; she is quite simply the best woman for the job.”
Lord Roberts of Llandudno
“We are fortunate to have two such outstanding contestants for the leadership of our party in Wales. Both have made an immense contribution and I’d gladly work with either. But throughout the world a new generation is being given the opportunity to lead. Let’s in Wales give Kirsty that chance this time.”
Lord Carlile of Berriew QC
“Kirsty is clever, clear, passionate about the good of Wales, and is exactly the refreshment Welsh politics needs. She commands the support and confidence of many who, like me, hold to traditional Liberal values; and she can also engage younger people who want to be inspired afresh by their political leaders.”
Lord Livsey of Talgarth CBE
“Vision, integrity, dedication, and fantastic communication skills”….that’s Kirsty! “She will make a superb, inspiring young leader, fit to bring great electoral success for the Welsh lib dems in a new era for Welsh politics.”
Cllr Edward Townsend, Leader Newport City Council and candidate for Newport East
“I asked myself a simple question before backing Kirsty Williams as our next leader: “Who would our opponents least like to see leading our party?” We cannot be satisfied with six AMs and just four MPs.
“If we are to make a mark on Wales, then we have to surprise a few people with what we do. Our campaigning has to gain an edge that makes our opponents fear us.
“The next stage in our party’s development will need drive, enthusiasm, credibility, political acumen and the ability to speak sheer common sense. Kirsty has all of those qualities - and she is the one Labour, Conservative and Plaid Cymru politicians most definitely don’t want to see winning.
“We need a leader with the determination, vision and passion to take us to the next level. Kirsty will inspire our activists and make sure we take the fight to the other parties and win.
“That is why I’m backing her to be the next leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.”
Mark Young, PPC Vale of Clwyd
“When I first heard Kirsty speak at conference her speech left me feeling energised and motivated and on that night I thought what a great leader she would be for the party.
“Now, she has the opportunity I believe that Kirsty has the energy, vision and the dedication to take our party forward in the whole of Wales.”
Cllr Peter May, PPC Swansea West
“As a prospective candidate in a target seat, I feel a strong leader offers the best chance of success. Under Kirsty’s leadership we would have the best platform to directly elect an MP and AM in Swansea West.”
Alison Goldsworthy, Candidate, Cardiff West 2005 and 2007
“I’m backing Kirsty because she has the drive, vision and determination to make sure we succeed. For too long we have had just six AM’s in the assembly that’s got to change so we can deliver changes to make Wales a fairer, more liberal place.”
Mark Cole, County Cllr and Deputy Mayor of Cardigan
“I’m backing Kirsty to be our next leader because she’s an energetic and passionate campaigner for radical Welsh liberalism. She’s charismatic, enthusiastic and has a burning desire to show Wales what Welsh liberalism is all about. A firebrand who will lead from the front, I believe she is best placed as the next leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, to shake-up and break-up the cosy Cardiff Bay Rhodri-Ieuan-Nick triumvurate and give us our best opportunity to move forward in 2011 and beyond.”
Cllr Aled Morris Jones, Chairman of Ynys Môn County Council
“I’m supporting Kirsty because of her can-do attitude and her ability to connect not only to traditional supporters, but beyond to people who haven’t voted Liberal Democrat before.”
Cllr Clair Powell, Brecon and Radnorshire
“I am supporting Kirsty for leader as she is a true inspiration to other women who wish to enter the world of politics. She has the will and determination to take this party forward and be a strong voice for liberalism and democracy across Wales.”
Cllr Gareth Aubrey, Cardiff Council
“Kirsty has already shown that desire to take the other parties on, to break the pseudo-socialist consensus and return Wales to its liberal roots. She has the character to take us forward in the chamber and the ideas to take us forward in the hearts and minds of people across the length and breadth of this country. We need nothing short of a sea change from our leader, and Kirsty is the person to deliver it.”
Cllr Mike Priestly, Conwy, Cabinet Member for the Environment
“I believe Kirsty has got what it takes to take our party to the next level. She’s energetic, dynamic and has the drive to fulfil this role.”
Cllr Liam Fitzpatrick, Powys County Council
“I am backing Kirsty because I believe it is time now for a leader with vision, enthusiasm and dare I say it passion and conviction with natural team building talents to step up and take the Lib Dem standard forward.”
Cllr Kirsty Davies, Cardiff Council
“I am supporting Kirsty for leadership of the Welsh Liberal Democrats because she has the vision, energy and determination to do what’s best for Wales and it’s people.”
Cllr Bob Griffin, Caerphilly, Islwyn and Merthyr Tydfil
“It is fair to say no recent election for Leader has come at a more difficult and trying time for Wales.
“What we need at this crucial moment in history is a leader who can inspire us, to be loud and clear in explaining the Liberal Democrat policies to get the Welsh nation back on its feet, to champion the work we do in local councils, and reinvigorate our challenge to the other parties in the Welsh Assembly. Above all we need a good communicator, someone who can win the media debates, and raise the profile of the Liberal Democrats in Wales.
“I believe the candidate to do this is Kirsty Williams.”
Cllr Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council
“Kirsty Williams has the gravitas, experience and enthusiasm to take this party forward. We need to look to the next generation for our leadership if we are to succeed as a party.
“Kirsty is an experienced politician who lives in the real world. Her youth and passion are a devastating combination that meets what public and that party is looking for.”
Phill Lloyd, Town Councillor Mold
“I’m supporting Kirsty as leader because she will bring determination, drive and dynamism to the position. As a past deputy president of the party she has demonstrated her ability to lead and inspire. With Kirsty as leader we have that rare opportunity of changing the fortunes of our party.”
Cllr Veronica German, Torfaen
“We have to think about the way we want to portray ourselves as a party here in Wales. The leader is our public face and voice - and for me, Kirsty embodies that change that we need. She excels at everything she does from connecting with people in local communities to holding her own in the Assembly chamber against the other party leaders.”
Cllr Paul Hinge, Ceredigion
“Having worked with Kirsty over the years I know only too well what a dynamic, informed and knowledgeable person she is. Kirsty is a ‘people person,’ who will breathe renewed life into our Party. She will provide the drive and enthusiasm that is required to ensure the Welsh Lib/Dem’s move onto the next level both in the Welsh Assembly and at Local Government level, she’s our future!”
Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea
“As a Council Cabinet Member responsible for a multi-million pound budget I value Kirsty’s experience and commitment to the party. She is the inspirational leader we need to take us into the next decade.”
Councillor Steve Bard, Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent
“I believe Kirsty will bring a new enthusiasm to the party and I know that she will lead with vigour and passion.”
Cllr Mike Powell, Trallwn Ward, RCT
“To me the choice is clear; do we go for the feisty streetfighter, which Kirsty is, or do we go for the more diplomatic approach that Jenny offers. Our leader needs to make the effort to get out of Cardiff and meet activists from the whole of Wales - I believe Kirsty will do just that.”
Cllr Brian Cossey, Colwyn
“Kirsty is dynamic and well respected by the North Wales membership.”
Cllr Robert Speht, Swansea
“I’m backing Kirsty because she is hard working and forward thinking. She has shown the ability to lead in recent years, and I think it is time that she led the Welsh Liberal Democrats.”
Lisa Stephens, Swansea University
“Kirsty is an extremely approachable person, a quality that is important in any leader. I believe that the Welsh Liberal Democrat Party is in need of a leader with this quality in order to reach out to new generations of voters. She takes her time to get to know people, and this is one of the reasons why I will be voting for Kirsty.”
John Mundy - Field Organizer, Obama Campaign For Change
“I will be 100% behind you as the candidate who, like Senator Obama, represents reform in every aspect of your life. I have seen the work you do and it is an inspiration to us all.”
Stephanie Kate Ashley, Carmarthenshire West and South Pembrokeshire
“Anybody who has met Kirsty Williams, seen her on the television or heard her on the radio knows what drive and enthusiasm she has and the ability she has to convey messages to everybody.”
Susan Richardson, Brecon and Radnorshire
“Good luck with your leadership campaign, we need someone feisty to lead the party and I definitely think you fit that description.”
Tarig Sanousi
“Joining the Lib dems is a natural choice and supporting Kirsty Williams has to be the practical choice. She is a natural leader.”
Helen Ceri-Clarke
“Kirsty is a conviction politician with the passion to take the Welsh Liberal Democrats forward. Her talent in the Senedd is impressive as is her ability to successfully combine a career with a young family. That’s why I’ll be supporting Kirsty Williams for Leader.”
Sarah Green
“I first remember seeing Kirsty on television when I was still at school and being surprised the following day to hear others praising her - they too had seen the same thing. She had somehow managed to reach out to young people who had no interest in politics and strike a chord with them. In one passionate television appearance she’d reached out to them in a way none of the other grey suits had managed to do.
“In order to grow as a party and gain more seats, that is exactly what we need - someone with that star quality, able to reach out to those who haven’t thought of voting Liberal Democrat before.
“Kirsty has that star quality - and that’s why I’m supporting her.”
Melfyn Ab-Owain
“Sometimes North Wales can feel a long way from Cardiff and I firmly believe that Kirsty’s drive, energy and vision will enable her to be a leader for the whole of Wales.”
Deanna Leboff, Brecon
“Kirsty is charismatic, eloquent, hardworking, energetic and caring! What more could you ask for in a new leader?”
Simon Mundy
“Kirsty has the most important qualities for leadership: passion for people (not just politics), ferocious dedication, sure political instinct and rage against the injustice of bad government. Above all, she is a superb communicator - as inspiring as she is supremely effective.”
Nick Burree, Welsh Executive and Chair of Carmarthen East & Llanelli Local Party
“Kirsty will bring to the leadership of thd Welsh Party, the passion, dedication and sense of commitment that she has so ably demonstrated in Brecon and Radnor over the past decade. She has the vision and charisma to take the party forward in new directions.
“I have known Kirsty for over 20 years and have seen her operate at all levels in the party. She has a remarkable capacity to reach people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Her patent sincerity shines through in everything she does. In an era of cynicism about politicians, Kirsty is the ideal antidote to such cynicism.”
Charles Gisby, Brecon
“You are that rare breed of politician who listens & gets involved at grassroot level and is what Wales, not just the party, needs.”
Ian MacFadyen
“I am very pleased you have decided to stand and am sure the Welsh Liberal Democrats - and therefore Wales - will prosper under your leadership and I believe you will be the first Liberal Democrat First Minister in Wales.”
Jon Burree, Secretary, Welsh Liberal Democrats
“Kirsty is a conviction politician. She cares about the less fortunate in society. She is a consummate communicator who will put across the Liberal Democrat message most effectively to the people of Wales. She is just the leader the party needs to give us a fresh, new image as a forward-thinking party of the 21st century.”
