Leanne Wood criticised for showing ‘no leadership’ by senior party source

Leanne Wood’s leadership has come under fire in anonymous comments in the Western Mail.

Speaking to the newspaper’s Chief Reporter, Martin Shipton, two senior sources in the party accused Leanne Wood of offering “no leadership” and “no communication”.

Plaid’s incumbent leader – who faces a leadership challenge by AMs Adam Price and Rhun ap Iorwerth – has so far gained the support of one Assembly Member, Dai Lloyd.

She has also been supported by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Arfon Jones.

Four AMs and the party’s sole MEP have yet to back any of the candidates.

One source told the Western Mail that Leanne Wood had little support among the elected national politicians “because we are the ones who work with her closely and see how she approaches the job”.

“We are moving towards the next Assembly election in 2021 when it is vital that we have the opportunity to form a government,” the source said.

“Yet she has shown no leadership in tasking people to bring together ideas and craft them into practical policies that will help us win the election. This kind of work needs to be done well in advance.

“It’s also important to take professional advice from outside the party, but she decided not to renew the services of the SNP adviser she had been working with.

“The Assembly group told her they have no confidence in her, but she refused to stand down as leader and just carried on.”

‘Sclerotic’

Leanne Wood has also failed to win the backing of any of the party’s MPs. Three have backed Adam Price, while one, Ceredigion’s Ben Lake, has supported Rhun ap Iorwerth.

Another anonymous source told the Western Mail that this was not a surprise.

“There has been no communication from Leanne as to what she expects them to do in Westminster, and therefore they make their own decisions,” the source said.

“If you have a meeting with her, she has no ideas of her own, but wants whatever is under discussion to be sent to the National Executive Committee and sometimes for wider debate at the National Council.

“She doesn’t offer any guidance but will be critical if she doesn’t like what you’ve said.

“The party is in desperate need of vision and leadership, but its present state is sclerotic.”