THE timing of the vote in the UK’s European Union referendum shows “contempt” for the Welsh Assembly elections, a Ceredigion AM candidate has said.

Liberal Democrat candidate for May’s election, Elizabeth Evans, said that having the EU referendum vote in June would see the Welsh elections “hijacked” by the European question.

Initial UK Government plans which could have seen the two votes held on the same day in Wales were scrapped, but candidates in Ceredigion remain “disappointed” that campaigns will occur side-by-side.

However, UKIP’s local candidate Gethin James has said having the two campaigns together will be a “boost for the party”.

Mrs Evans said: “I’m disappointed that the Welsh Assembly election and the EU referendum are so close.

“There are two elections before us which determine the issues which affect our daily lives, both equally important.

“However, having the EU referendum shortly after the Welsh Assembly elections shows both a contempt for the devolved countries like Wales who have elections and also serves to undermine the time needed to put the argument for or against staying in the EU to residents.

“UKIP will now try to hijack the debate by directing the issues which need to be discussed in the context of a Welsh assembly campaign on to the European question.”