"I will never vote for Plaid Cymru again." This is just one of the comments in response to the party's handling of the disciplinary matters around Jonathan Edwards MP.
Plaid leader Adam Price and Westminster leader Liz Savile Roberts have both apologised over how the return from suspension of Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards was handled after he accepted a police caution after assaulting his wife in 2020. Mr Edwards had been set to return as a Plaid MP until his estranged wife said she was appalled by this.
Ms Savile Roberts, Plaid's Westminster group leader, has said that "the voice of the victim matters above all else" and during the last few months she discovered "the party had not sought the opinion of the victim since the event in 2020". She says changes need to be made to the party's processes.
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The handling of the aftermath of Mr Edwards' actions has led to criticism from different factions of the party. Mr Edwards has accused unnamed senior Plaid figures of subjecting him to "vindictive and vengeful coordinated political attacks". He also says he was left feeling suicidal. You can read his statement, in which he says he will not return as a Plaid MP, here.
We've asked Adam Price for an interview to explain how he plans to change the party and explain what has happened but that request has been denied. Many people who commented on our article said they would no longer support the party due to the way it has been dealt with.
Pippasmomma said: "Well I will never vote for Plaid Cymru again. Not even at Community Council level."
Helgy wrote: "Will no longer support Plaid after this shameful decision to allow this character back into the fold. Never did like his attitude generally but this puts the lid on it. Shame on him and Plaid-they deserve each other."
Bomber22 said: "Spineless leader Adam is totally responsible. They should have sacked both of them. Its a pre-requisite these days of all politicians to be abusers of one sort or another. Hope he gets what he delivered. will never vote for Plaid again ."
Prof1 said: "Leave him where he is, Plaid have shot themselves in the foot. Brilliant!"
Other criticised the party's leadership. 'Does any of it make sense' said: "Shocking and a damning indictment of Plaid Cymru’s leadership". The kraken wrote: "Adam Price was slow in coming to a decision on this matter, then fudged it."
Grumpy Bampi said: "Adam Price hold your head in shame al the guff you sprout on TV etc but your just like most MPs old boys club etc protecting your wife beating friends. You should resign along with him. Just shows how bad Plaid has become."
Jansie2020 said: "Not a very decent person to represent the people. What is going on in Wales????"
Giddsy wrote: "This is bonkers, he is in the public eye and trying to represent his voters. Have some respect for your wife man and maybe a bit for yourself. Hope the lady concerned is OK. It must bring it all back for her."
There was more criticism of the party. Caljay2016 added: "It stinks of hypocrisy, which just about sums up Plaid Cymru!!" DdraigGoch wrote: "This has got to be the biggest Plaid 'home goal' ever!"
Lewishere said: "Just when you thought Plaid Cymru couldn’t actually sink any lower as a party they now embrace a wife beater, absolutely no wonder they are so unelectable…"
Sootey2 said: "So apparently Plaid Cymru are quite a lenient party when it comes to allowing one of their MPs to carry on representing their constituency even though he has assaulted his wife , incredible."
Others said it was endemic of all politicians. phil1948 said: "Behaving in a typical fashion for an MP". Wholehogmog added: "So let's recap. In England, the British Prime Minister was pilloried from pillar to post and forced to resign for enjoying a ten minute birthday snifter with his colleague at an inappropriate time. In Wales, a convicted wife beater is allowed to continue in politics. Enough said"
Malt wrote: "Makes sense the coalition is as corrupt as you can get.. Plaid allow a domestic abuser in their ranks and Labour allow and Eluned Morgan in their ranks following her 5 speeding offences and loss of her driving licence.....But it's OK as they both apologised !!!!!!!!!!!!! No wonder Wales is going downhill so rapidly.."
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