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Lib Dems 'shining light' of coalition, Kirsty Williams says

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Media caption,

Kirsty Williams says the Lib Dems are the 'positive story' of the coalition

The Liberal Democrats have been the "positive story" of coalition government at Westminster, the party's Welsh leader Kirsty Williams claims.

Higher tax thresholds, equal marriage and pension reform were hailed as key achievements in her speech at the party's Welsh conference in Cardiff.

Ms Williams said the Lib Dems reflect "all of society, not just unions and millionaires".

Theirs was "the only way to ensure opportunity for everyone," she said.

"Labour can't be trusted with our economy - the Tories can't be trusted to fight for fairness," Ms Williams added.

She also accused the Welsh Conservatives of "playing politics" for refusing to take part in a commission to look at the future of the Welsh NHS.

'Anchor' in government

Later, Baroness Randerson - a junior Wales Office minister - hailed the party's role in the Westminster coalition.

"The Liberal Democrats have been the anchor in a government which took office when the UK had debts to rival those of Greece," she said.

"We can be proud that we are now one of the fastest growing economies in the western world."

Image caption,

Roger Williams says the Liberal Democrats understand the needs of farmers

Opening the conference on Saturday, Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams focused on the plight of farmers, who he said were turning to the Liberal Democrats because "the Conservatives no longer understand the countryside".

On Friday, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg joined David Cameron in announcing plans to give further powers to Wales, including decisions over fracking, other energy projects, and the running of the assembly's elections.

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