Welsh Lib Dem candidate steps aside from Assembly election
Karen Roberts has stepped down as the Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for the Rhondda at the upcoming Assembly election.
Ms Roberts, who is the local party Chair and RCT Campaign Manager says she could not give the role the attention it deserves.
"Unlike the Labour party we do not get thousands of pounds from the unions to campaign, or attract the business finance the Conservatives do. Plaid are pouring resources in to the Rhondda to try and get their leader elected there. Meanwhile we are reliant solely on the donations of local party members and supporters. We cannot hope to compete.
"I care passionately about the Rhondda and am furious at the contempt with which we have been treated by the Labour party. They are ruining our schools and have given us a second rate health service where the poor staff are left trying to do their jobs without adequate support. They have done nothing to regenerate our valleys. But if I commit to anything I commit 100% and I do not feel I can do justice to a campaign which we cannot properly resource.
"Instead I will be putting my efforts into running the Pontypridd campaign with our candidate there Mike Powell. That is where our strength currently lies within RCT and where we have the best chance of breaking the Labour stranglehold on this area. I will also remain as a candidate on the regional list."
It is expected that the party will announce a new candidate shortly
