Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price has made a "solemn pledge" to improve the culture in the party and "be the change we want to be in society". The party under his leadership has been mired in controversy about how it has handled complaints.
A WalesOnline investigation spoke to several people within the party who claimed there was toxic atmosphere along with concern that ability is not rewarded while they alleged the leader surrounds himself with a "clique" of close associates. Others have said that they were scared to report allegations or felt they would face repercussions for raising them.
Plaid Member for South Wales Central Rhys ab Owen is currently suspended for allegedly breaching the code of conduct for MSs and is currently being investigated by the Standards Commissioner. According to the party the suspension was "mutually agreed" and was a "neutral act" and Mr ab Owen has not commented. However some within party expressed anger that party leadership had known about the accusations for more than a year.
Mr Price, addressing the party's spring conference, said: "These last few years and these last few months haven’t come without their challenges for us as a party and for me as your leader. We are challenged to be the change we want to be in society. And it is clear that we have to do better, much better, than we have."
He also made comments towards those people who had made accusations. "I want to say this to you all here and beyond these walls," he said. "I will do, and together we will do, everything necessary, everything possible, to get this right. This is important to me and it’s essential for us."
He made no apology for how complaints had been handled, simply saying: "The work is already ongoing and it will go on as part of a continuing commitment to align our culture and our structure with our values, to practice what we preach. Because if we are to become a kinder, fairer, independent nation – a Cymru for all where no one is left behind – we must shine a beacon as a party for all where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and valued. And that as a party is our solemn and united pledge."
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