The leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price is to step down after a damning report into the party’s culture.
Mr Price and the party’s chair Marc Jones were forced to apologize after the report – commissioned by the party’s ruling committee – found that the party had “failed to implement a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment”.
There had been “a lack of collective leadership and governance across the party” which meant issues had “worsened over the last few years”, the report said.
It was commissioned in December 2022 after news stories emerged of a “toxic culture surrounding harassment, bullying and misogyny” within the party.
In a letter to Marc Jones, Mr Price said: “We have driven the agenda for change in a way that no previous opposition party has dreamed of doing.
“The Cooperation Agreement was truly ground-breaking and has delivered life-changing benefits to our children, families and friends all over Wales.”
He added: “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.”
‘Inaction over many years… to challenge bad behaviour’
Led by former Plaid politician Nerys Evans, the Prosiect Pawb report said that inherent power imbalances within the party “coupled with inaction over many years from those with positions of power to challenge bad behaviour, has made a bad situation even worse”.
Both Mr Price and Mr Jones said they were “deeply sorry” and had agreed to “accept and implement” all of the report’s recommendations.
In a joint statement, they admitted there had been instances “where by unacceptable behavior has been allowed to take place”.
The report revealed that evidence from an anonymous staff survey and elected members “highlight cases of sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination”, and that “these are not isolated cases”.
The NEC subsequently approved a motion to allow the party’s Senedd Group to invite nominations for the position of interim leader at its meeting on Thursday morning.
A new leader is set to be in place for the summer.
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Following Mr Price’s resignation, Mr Jones said: “On behalf of Plaid Cymru I want to thank Adam for his drive and vision over the past four and a half years. Adam’s personal commitment to making Wales a fairer nation is a lasting legacy of which he and Plaid Cymru can be proud.”
He added: “Through the co-operation agreement, brokered and delivered by Adam, Plaid Cymru has been able to implement ground-breaking policies such as free school meals in primary schools, reforms that better protect our communities and we look forward to a stronger Senedd which better reflects our confident nation.”
Mr Jones said the party’s focus will be on “implementing the recommendations of Project Pawb in order to foster a new culture within the party, making it a safe and inclusive member-led movement for all”.
Mr Price has been leader of Plaid Cymru since 2018 after he challenged Leanne Wood for the party’s leadership.
He has been the Senedd member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr since 2016.
He had previously served as MP for the same constitution from 2001 to 2010.
