Ynys Mon MS Rhun ap Iorwerth has been named as the new Plaid Cymru leader. The former BBC journalist and presenter has won the backing of his party to replace Adam Price who stepped down in May after a damning report into the party's culture.
Mr ap Iorwerth said he wanted to lead a party that would offer a “home for everyone who is ambitious about creating a fairer, greener, more prosperous society [...] for those who are already confident or curious about independence, and that is determined to spark that curiosity in others”.
He said: "I will lead with passion; I will lead with humility and most importantly I will lead a party which offers a home for everyone who is ambitious about creating a fairer, greener, more prosperous society - a home for those who are already confident or curious about independence, and that is determined to spark that curiosity in others."
Read more: Who is the new Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth?
He faces some tough months ahead. Not only do the recommendations of the Nerys Evans report need to be implemented the party has been stagnant in the polls for the last half a decade. Referring to this, Mr ap Iorwerth said: “Following a difficult period for the party, I am committed to learning lessons, implementing the recommendations of Project Pawb, and setting new foundations."
Since Mr Price's resignation there have been rumours of several Plaid politicians putting their name forward to run. Some senior figures ruled themselves out of the running early with Elin Jones saying she wanted to see only one candidate put their name forward in order to avoid a protracted leadership contest.
Acting leader Llyr Gruffydd also said he wouldn't be putting his name forward instead wanting to concentrate on implementing the recommendations of the Nerys Evans report which found the party had "failed to have a zero tolerance attitude to sexual harassment". This report was ordered after a WalesOnline investigation found serious discontentment within the party over how issues were dealt with.
Mr Gruffydd said: "I know Rhun will be a passionate and powerful advocate for Wales and its people. With his ability to articulate a compelling vision of how our nation can realise its full potential, I know that Rhun understand what’s important to the people of Wales, be that a fairer, more prosperous economy or a resilient, more efficient NHS.
“As I end my term as Acting Leader, I am encouraged by the progress already made in implementing the recommendations of ‘Prosiect Pawb’ and I know Rhun will leave no stone unturned as we complete this work.”
Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Parliamentary Leader Liz Saville Roberts MP said: "I warmly congratulate Rhun ap Iorwerth as he begins in his new role as leader of Plaid Cymru. As we build a united team between the Senedd and Westminster, I look forward to working closely with him, bringing together voices from across the party into our leadership."
Plaid Cymru chair Marc Jones said: "Many congratulations to Rhun ap Iorwerth on becoming leader - it's going to be a busy time as we prepare for a series of key elections over the next few years. I am looking forward to working with him and the leadership team in order to ensure success for the party in each of those elections and a better future for Wales.
“There is also work to be done to ensure that Project Pawb is fully implemented and that the party is a safe place for everyone. The work to make that a reality has begun, and I will encourage the Leader to give his full support to that initiative.”
Mr ap Iorwerth had been intending to run in the next General Election as the Plaid candidate on the Isle of Anglesey. If successful this would have meant he would not have been eligible to be leader as Plaid Cymru rules state the leader must be a member of the Senedd.
The closing date for MSs to put their names forward for the party leadership was June 12. Rhun ap Iorwerth is now set to be named the new leader without a contest at the St David's hotel in Cardiff Bay at midday on June 16.
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