MARK Williams hasn’t ruled out returning to politics after his shock defeat to Ceredigion’s new MP Ben Lake in the General Election.

Speaking exclusively to the Cambrian News this week, the former Liberal Democrat MP described the “painful” experience of losing a seat he had held for 12 years, and the hurt of having to make loyal staff redundant.

But Mr Williams, who lives in Borth with his wife Helen and their four children, said “never say never” to standing again in Ceredigion, a prospect not implausible considering the national result of the General Election, which left a hung Parliament.

“I don’t know, but what I will say is ‘never say never’,” he said.

“I am, of course, bitterly disappointed with what happened. I gave it my all for 12 years as a constituency MP. I no doubt made mistakes, but I gave it my all and did as much as I possibly could.

“It does hurt of course. It doesn’t detract in any way from congratulating Ben and wishing him the best of luck.

“It was painful, and other people will testify to that. But I lost and it doesn’t matter the margin – one of my colleagues lost by two votes.

“The important thing for me now is my family. First, I will take some time for rest and reflection, then I have to get a job.

“I haven’t had any offers yet, but I have had some interesting conversations with people who have been through this before.

“Our fate is still in Mrs May’s hands. But if another election comes, I love my politics and I love this county.”

Read the full interview in this week’s Cambrian News, available in shops and online now