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Simon Thomas AM to run for Plaid Cymru leadership

News | Richard Gurner | Published: 09:07, Friday December 2nd, 2011.

Simon Thomas AM
Simon Thomas AM

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Simon Thomas has put his name down as the latest contender in his party’s leadership contest.

The Mid and West Wales AM joins Elin Jones and Dafydd Elis Thomas in the fight to take over outgoing leader Ieuan Wyn Jones.

He will seek nominations in the New Year, when the party begins its leadership contest.

Mr Thomas said: “I would want to lead in an inclusive and participative way.

“I intend, if leader, to consult with those who I will have to lead in the Senedd chamber before giving a clear vision for my party and for my nation.

“A new leader must not only renew the party, but restore Plaid Cymru as a real choice as a party of government for the Welsh people.”

Mr Thomas, 47, was elected to the Assembly in May and before that had a spell a special adviser to the Welsh Government during Plaid’s coalition with Labour.

He was previously the MP for Ceredigion.

Speaking at a briefing at the University of Glamorgan’s Atrium in Cardiff, he said: “Clearly our message is not getting through.

“Sometimes it is confused. I support independence as the constitutional aim for Plaid Cymru and our nation.

“But independence is not the answer to today’s immediate problems and focusing on arguing about it only encourages the voters to assume we are not addressing their daily difficulties.”

Nominations for the job are open between 3 and 26 January.

1 thought on “Simon Thomas AM to run for Plaid Cymru leadership”

  1. Arthur says:
    Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 19:16

    Who really cares??

    Not the Local Great and the Good of Plaid Cymru judging by the total lack of any support to the article.

    Log in to Reply

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