Liberal Democrats Announce long-time grassroots sports leader as their lead Senedd candidate for Afan Ogwr Rhondda

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have announced Dean Ronan, a long-time grassroots sports leader as their lead candidate for Afan Ogwr Rhondda (consisting of the Westminster constituencies of Aberafan Maesteg and Rhondda and Ogmore).

Dean Ronan is a passionate community advocate, experienced educator, and long-time grassroots sports leader standing for the Welsh Liberal Democrats in Afan Ogwr Rhondda.

Dean works as a teacher supporting children in residential care, bringing frontline experience of how underfunded services impact families and vulnerable young people. He is committed to championing fairness, opportunity, and meaningful change for all our valleys and towns.

As a respected Rugby Coach at Maesteg Harlequins RFC, Bridgend Ravens, Ospreys Age Grade and the Wales Women's Senior National Team with over 15 years of service, Dean has used sport to mentor young people, tackle anti-social behaviour, and promote mental health. He believes strongly in investing in grassroots sport and culture as tools for community inclusion and social change.

Following recent assembly projections by YouGov and Swansea Bay News that show the Lib Dems gaining an assembly member in the constituency, Dean, Captain of the local rugby team, where he coaches and plays prop, is launching his campaign to bring better representation to local people.

Commenting on his selection, Dean Ronan said:

“It’s great to be chosen to stand for the Lib Dems in Afan Ogwr Rhondda. I’ve lived here all my life and I’ve seen the positive impact supporting communities can have on people around here. Sport has always been huge for me and I believe in its power to help people.”

“I work in education, and I know the difference local services can make to people’s lives. We need to protect and improve local services like schools, local hospitals, tackle the crisis in social care, regenerate our towns and villages and make sure the economy creates new, well-paid jobs for local people”.

Jane Dodds MS, leader of the Welsh Lib Dems, shared her excitement at the selection:

“As recent polling shows, we have a huge opportunity to grow our Senedd group in the elections taking place in May, and having a local prop like Dean on our team will give us the upper hand in winning in Afan Ogwr Rhondda. I’m excited to have his strength and experience on our team as we head into the scrum of next May’s elections.”

Reacting to the news, Welsh Lib Dems Deputy Leader David Chadwick MP said:

“I’m delighted that Dean is going to be leading the charge for the Welsh Lib Dems in Afan Ogwr Rhondda.

“Dean is a true local champion and has always gone the extra mile to build up communities, support people and improve the lives of those around him. His experience in education would be a huge asset in the Senedd.”

“The party is growing in areas that haven’t traditionally voted Lib Dem, like in Ystlyfera and Cwmllynfell in the Swansea Valley, where Councillor Susan Grounds’ stunning victory over Labour, Plaid and Reform shows us that we win when we select high-calibre, local Lib Dem community champions like Dean and Susan. People are crying out for a change, especially in South Wales, where Labour have let people down for too long.”

ENDS

Dean is encouraging anyone who wants to be a part of his campaign in Afan Ogwr Rhondda to get in touch with him on X (@DeanRonan) or Facebook