Plaid Cymru's interim leader Llyr Gruffydd MS has promised to “reflect, reform, and renew” the party after a damning report exposed a toxic culture. He was speaking after Adam Price quit as leader on May 11 following the Prosiect Pawb review which found a culture of harassment, bullying and misogyny in the party.
Mr Gruffydd was nominated unanimously by the Plaid Cymru Senedd Group as the party’s Interim leader on Thursday and the decision was formally ratified by the party’s National Council this morning (SAT MAY 13). It was a WalesOnline investigation which first exposed problems in the party.
Mr Gruffydd is expected to formally take over leadership duties from outgoing leader Adam Price on May 17. Plaid Cymru confirmed the nominations for a new, permanent Leader would close on June 16, with a new leader in place by the summer.
Read more: What went wrong for Plaid Cymru and why it really matters for everyone in Wales
Mr Price's decision to quit followed a special meeting of Plaid’s national executive committee to discuss “next steps” after the explosive Prosiect Pawb report. The report, published on May 3, found the Welsh nationalist party had “failed to implement a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment” and that women had been “especially” let down.
Mr Gruffydd said it was an “immense honour” to lead Plaid Cymru at what he said was a “critical juncture” for the party. The newly-ratified Leader-elect said that during this period of “reflection”, it was important to remind “ourselves of what Plaid Cymru aspires to be – an inclusive party that values its staff – founded on the best principles of progressive action – with fairness and equality embedded in its DNA”.
He said “accelerating the pace of reform” would be a priority for the professional and voluntary wings of the party to renew the party’s purpose, “delivering key aspects of our manifesto through the Co-Operation Agreement” and working “harder than ever” to deliver for the people of Wales.
Plaid Cymru interim leader Llyr Gruffydd's statement in full
"It is an immense honour for me to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Plaid Cymu until a new leader is in post in the summer.
"Despite it being short, my tenure as the interim leader of Plaid Cymru comes at a critical juncture for the party. We've been reflecting, we are reforming and we will renew our mission in light of the findings of Project Pawb.
"Its findings run counter to our core beliefs and values. In our period of reflection we remind ourselves what Plaid Cymru aspires to be - an inclusive party, a party that values its staff, a party founded on the best principles of progressive action - with fairness and diversity embedded in its DNA.
"Accelerating the pace of reform will be the priority for the party. By doing this we can renew our purpose, delivering the key aspects of our manifesto through the Co-operation Agreement, offering solutions when Wales' interests aren't being served and working harder than ever to protect our communities.
"Moving forward united, we will put down new and stronger foundation with our ambition undimmed."
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