Llŷr Gruffydd MS has been nominated unanimously as Acting Leader by Plaid Cymru Senedd Group. Mr Gruffydd’s nomination is subject to ratification by Plaid Cymru National Council on Saturday.
It comes after Adam Price told party members he is quitting as leader days after a review found a culture of harassment, bullying and misogyny in the party. In his resignation letter, he said he no longer had the support of colleagues after the report was published last week.
Addressed to Plaid Cymru chair Marc Jones, Mr Price wrote: “We have driven the agenda for change in a way that no previous opposition party has dreamt of doing. The Cooperation Agreement was truly ground-breaking and has delivered life-changing benefits to our children, families and friends all over Wales.
Read more: Adam Price's statement in full as he quits as leader of Plaid Cymru
“Our core driver – independence for Wales – has broken the banks of mainstream politics and now many, from all parts and all parties, believe like we do that it is a matter of when and not if. My commitment to our vision of a nation transformed remains as strong as ever, and my energy for change undimmed.
"You have my personal assurance that I will continue to serve my country, my constituents and our party with determination and enthusiasm."
Soon after, it was confirmed that an interim leader would be named. On Thursday, Plaid Cymru confirmed that Llŷr Gruffydd had been nominated as the Acting Leader.
Mr Gruffydd currently stands as Member of the Senedd for the North Wales region, which covers the counties of Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd and Ynys Mon. He has been serving as the MS for the role since 2011. He was born and raised in Carmarthenshire, but now lives near Ruthin in Denbighshire.
A spokesperson for Plaid Cymru confirmed that a new leader will be in place in the summer, with a timetable outlining the process of electing a permanent leader communicated to party members at "the earliest possible opportunity".
In response to today's news, Plaid Cymru Acting Leader elect Llyr Gruffydd MS said: "I’m grateful to the Plaid Cymru Senedd Group for nominating me as Acting Leader elect.
"I would like to thank Adam on behalf of the Plaid Cymru Senedd Group for his vision, commitment, and dedication over the last four years.
"Our focus is now on moving forward together to deliver on behalf of the people of Wales, and to foster a better culture within the party. I hope members will entrust me with the responsibility of leading that work until we elect a new leader."
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