WALES’ newest MP described her first day at Westminster as “momentous”, while a political veteran described it as one of his most “depressing”.

Brecon and Radnorshire’s newly-elected MP, Jane Dodds said it was “amazing” to represent her constituency, while Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies, due to stand down ahead of the next election said he “detested” the situation his party found itself regarding Brexit.

Ms Dodds added that it was “very special” to have her family from Wales sitting in the gallery watching her take the oath bilingually.

“Yesterday (September 3) was an amazing day. I feel very privileged and honoured to represent Brecon and Radnorshire.

“What a day to be sworn in to Parliament and to take the oath in Welsh and in English.

“I’ve had lots of support and I was congratulated by members of all political parties. There was a very warm welcome from everyone and some offered guidance.”

She added: “And to be in the chamber on such an important day. It was quite a big day to cut the majority after Philip Lee (former Conservative MP) joined us. It was a momentous day.”

More than a month after she won the seat from the Conservatives following a by-election triggered by a recall petition, Ms Dodds says she is settling in to the role and that “everything is going well”.

As the only Welsh Liberal Democrat MP at Westminster, Ms Dodds says it is time to take ‘no deal’ off the table.

“It will be a disaster for everyone especially for farmers,” she said. “We need to stop it.”

She has criticised Prime Minister Boris Johnson for stripping the Conservative whip from 21 MPs as “not democratic”. She added that the Liberal Democrats want to stop a snap election and that they will “stand up” to the Conservatives. “We need to work together and stand up to the bullying.”

Meanwhile Mr Davies said: “I think it’s probably the most depressing political situation I’ve ever been involved in.”

He said: “In a few minutes time the division bell will ring and I will vote against a motion put forward with the Speaker’s approval (which personally I think dangerous in precedent and quite wrong) which will enable non Gov’t MPs to take control of future business from the Government. At this moment we expect the Govt to lose, with around 15 Conservative MPs voting with the opposition. That’s 15 valued colleagues, who have been friends and team-mates for up to the nine years I’ve been an MP. I utterly detest this situation, even if I think we have reached a stage where there is no turning back for the Prime Minister.

“Yes, we have to deliver Brexit. Yes, it’s gone time the delaying tactics involved in opposing Brexit were stopped. Tonight’s vote is actually (though not admitted) a vote to stop Brexit altogether. But it’s deeply depressing. My colleagues will have the whip removed and will not be allowed to stand as Conservatives in the General Election which will be proposed by the Prime Minster sometime later this week. Looks to me that the die is cast. Looking forward to going home and pulling up the sheets to shut the world out.”

MPs were still voting last night as the County Times went to press on whether to delay Brexit, rule out ‘No Deal’ and if and when a general election should be held.

See our vox-pop on page 10 of this week's County Times for your views on a general election.