Llyr Gruffydd MS has been nominated unanimously by the Plaid Cymru Senedd Group as the party’s Acting Leader subject to ratification by the party’s National Council on Saturday.

This comes after Adam Price MS informed Plaid Cymru’s National Executive Committee last night (May 10) that he will be stepping down as Leader of the party once interim arrangements are in place.

The NEC approved a motion allowing the Plaid Cymru Senedd Group to invite nominations for the position of interim Leader (Thursday).

Plaid Cymru’s National Council will meet on Saturday to ratify the decision.

A new Leader will be in place in the summer and a timetable outlining the process of electing a permanent Leader will be communicated to party members at the earliest possible opportunity.

Mr Gruffydd said: “I’m grateful to the Plaid Cymru Senedd Group for nominating me as Acting Leader elect.

“I would like to thank Adam on behalf of the Plaid Cymru Senedd Group for his vision, commitment, and dedication over the last four years.

“Our focus is now on moving forward together to deliver on behalf of the people of Wales, and to foster a better culture within the party. I hope members will entrust me with the responsibility of leading that work until we elect a new leader.”

At a meeting of Plaid Cymru’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday - Adam Price MS informed members that he will be stepping down as Leader of the party once interim arrangements are in place.

Plaid has been under the spotlight over the past week after a daming report into the party stated that it needed to ‘detoxify a culture of harassment, bullying and misogyny’

The review into the culture at Plaid Cymru has made 82 recommendations following reports late last year of a ‘toxic culture’ within the party.

The report, which was chaired by former Plaid Cymru politician, Nerys Evans, found that the party has failed to implement a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and that there needs to be a system to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace and within its membership.

In a letter to Marc Jones, the Chair of Plaid Cymru, Mr Price said: “We have driven the agenda for change in a way that no previous opposition party has dreamt of doing.

“The Cooperation Agreement was truly ground-breaking and has delivered life-changing benefits to our children, families and friends all over Wales.

“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.”

Paying tribute to his service to the party as Leader, Marc Jones the Chair of Plaid Cymru 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.

“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.

“As we begin the process of electing a new Leader our unwavering 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.”