Rhun ap Iorwerth wins former minister’s support in leadership bid

Former Plaid Cymru Government Minister Jocelyn Davies has pledged her support for Rhun ap Iorwerth to become the party’s next leader.

Jocelyn Davies was Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South East Wales for 17 years, and in Government was Deputy Minister for Housing.

She said that Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Assembly Member for Ynys Môn, was the best person to “lead the Assembly group, lead the party and gain the confidence of the public”.

“I’ve had the pleasure of campaigning and canvassing alongside Rhun, and I’ve seen for myself that not only is he an excellent communicator, he also has the common touch to reach out to those people who might not be naturally drawn to Plaid,” she said.

“He has a broad appeal inside the party and an even broader appeal outside.

“It was clear when three members of the Assembly group outlined the need for a leadership challenge that change is needed.

“The AMs behind these calls are not troublemakers, but in fact problem solvers – and I am confident that each of them would have thought long and hard before taking such drastic action and therefore their intervention must not be ignored.

“We have hugely talented AMs, and they need clear leadership to fulfil their potential.

“I have no doubt that Rhun has the energy and the commitment to engage with our elected members at all levels, and to provide leadership to the party as a whole.

“We need a capable, ambitious leader, and I believe that Rhun is the right person for the job.”

‘Honour’ 

Rhun ap Iorwerth said that to be supported by “someone of Jocelyn’s experience and status” meant a lot to him.

“She clearly has a vision of the kind of leadership the party needs at this point in time, and I’m honoured that she sees me as the one to deliver that,” he said.

“I look forward to being able to work closely with Jocelyn in building support for Plaid Cymru’s vision Wales-wide, but in particular in the South East Wales area that she represented with such distinction.

“We can and must reach out to all communities in all parts of Wales.”