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Welsh Lib Dem leader vows to stay despite criticism over CofE abuse handling

by Premier Journalist
Jane Dodds.JPG - Banner image
REUTERS/Rebecca Naden

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has said the Welsh leader of his party should consider her position after her handling of a sexual abuse case was called into question.

Jane Dodds worked as a senior caseworker in the National Safeguarding Team (NST) in 2016.

According to a 2021 report, while in the role, Dodds made a "grave error of judgment" by failing to organise a meeting to discuss a particular abuse case concerning the former Bishop of Chester, Hubert Victor Whitsey, who sexually abused at least 18 victims over a 15-year period. 

Dodds intends to continue as leader, despite accepting that "shortcomings" occurred, the BBC reports

Davey told the BBC's Laua Kuenssberg: "I accept that she has apologised, but this is such a serious issue, so I think she does need to think about what else she may need to do.

"I've made my feelings really clear to her about what I think she should do and I think she's reflecting. I hope she does."

Dodds later said that she would "continue fighting for the people of Wales" as the party's leader but admitted that there were "shortcomings in organising meetings about this case". 

"I have made child protection my life’s work, having worked in the field for over 20 years prior to entering politics," she added.

"I whole-heartedly apologise to the victims for the delays that this contributed to."

 

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