The interim leader of Plaid Cymru has promised the party is ready to tackle its misogyny scandal amid warnings it faces “existential questions” after the resignation of its “once in a generation” head Adam Price. Llyr Gruffydd, who will take charge of the Welsh pro-independence party while the search for a new leader is held, said this was a turning point for Plaid and it was determined to “amplify” the voices of women. But many within the party are worried that there is no obvious candidate to take over as permanent leader and experts said that, as well as dealing with the misogyny scandal, the new head will have a hard job to reset the party in time for the next general election.
Asked by the Guardian if the next leader should be a woman, Gruffydd said: “We must not lose sight of the diverse skillsets within the Senedd group and prioritise what is best for the party. It is imperative that we create an inclusive environment where women are empowered, and their voices elevated. “This is not solely about one individual; it is about amplifying women’s voices at every level of the party, from constituencies to council groups, staff, and our leadership structures. This moment marks a turning point for our party. There will no longer be any complacency about any of the issues highlighted in the report.”
The party is also facing questions over why some of its hierarchy tried to persuade Price to stay on after a damning report on the culture of Plaid found evidence of misogyny, harassment and bullying. Led by the former Plaid Senedd member Nerys Evans, the report decried a lack of leadership in the party and made 82 recommendations needed to “detoxify” the party’s culture. It has emerged that when it was published, Price told the party hierarchy he felt “morally bound” to step down but Evans, the party’s chair, Marc Jones, and its Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts, said he was best placed to drive through change and should stay. However, some members of the party’s Senedd group were unhappy and on Wednesday night Price announced he was resigning because he did not have the “united support” of his colleagues. Gruffydd, whose role as interim leader is expected to be ratified on Saturday, said: “It became evident that he lacked the confidence of some within the Senedd group, and the resulting narrative became a distraction from the crucial matters at hand.” Saville Roberts said the party had gone through a “harrowing time”. She said: “We have to make sure women’s voices are not closed out, women’s voices are enshrined.” Among the figures being touted as the next possible leader are Rhun ap Iorwerth, the member for Ynys Môn – but he is set to stand as an MP, which would make him ineligible. Another possible is Delyth Jewell, who represents South Wales East, but she was only elected to the Senedd in 2019. Price vowed to lead Plaid to power when he ousted Leanne Wood as leader in 2018 but the party is only the third biggest in the Senedd with 12 representatives, and only has three MPs at Westminster. Laura McAllister, professor of public policy at Cardiff University, said it was a pivotal moment for Plaid. She said: “It’s a pretty hefty and problematic in-tray for the next leader. The problem Plaid has got is that its better, more experienced politicians tend to be in Westminster – and another possibly on the way – so you’re left with a pretty narrow choice. There is no clear contender for leader. “Plaid has been standing still and arguably going backwards for some time and what’s its purpose? Is it to win elections or come close or is it about electoral presence? What Plaid is for is the existential question. Is Plaid to become a pressure group or assistant to a dominant Welsh Labour? Or is it going to be a movement or an agitator?”