Born in Middlesbrough in 1984, Rachael attended the University of Liverpool where she graduated in History, she then went on to train as a teacher in two Swansea schools.

Her key political interests include education, social justice and devolution. She is particularly interested in the link between educational attainment, aspiration and poverty. She is currently studying Welsh Government and Politics at Cardiff University whilst working for the Welsh Liberal Democrat group in the Assembly.

Rachael Hitchinson, an experienced campaigner, will be contesting the seat currently held by Labour. She says:

"The Labour Party have let down the people of Cardiff West, and indeed the rest of the country. The economy is in tatters, the gap between rich and poor is greater than ever before, and the health service is failing - Cardiff West deserves better.

"The Liberal Democrats have been growing steadily in Cardiff West in recent years. With Labour discredited after thirteen years of failure and the Conservatives calls for change ringing increasingly hollow, I'm confident that more and more people in Cardiff West will be looking to the Liberal Democrats for the fresh start we need."