Allan Pritchard, the Plaid Cymru leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, has backed Leanne Wood’s bid to become party leader.
Cllr Pritchard said: “Leanne Wood is best placed to drive through the significant changes that are expected to be made to the party to improve our electoral performance, ensuring that Plaid becomes the natural home for all the people in Wales.
“In recent months Leanne has given a clear indication of where her ambitions for Wales should be. She accepts that Plaid needs greater clarity over its aims and ambitions to present a united message to the people from all parts of Wales. I am sure she will continue to promote the interests of all parts of Wales and build on the considerable success of Plaid in the more heavily populated areas of our country.
“Leanne has been consistent and true in her beliefs and her public record in these beliefs has been open, transparent and consistent, ever since she entered public life.
“We have tried to broaden our appeal and support throughout and I am convinced that Leanne has the ability and drive to move Plaid forward as the Party of Wales.”
Ms Wood said: “Allan Pritchard and Lindsay Whittle before him, have made Caerphilly Council one of the best run local authorities in Wales. They have delivered frontline services while freezing council tax to help people in these tough times.
“Caerphilly has also led the way in providing apprentice and training posts and is the best performing authority in South Wales for recycling, so I’m very pleased to be endorsed by Allan, who has been a stalwart for Plaid in the Islwyn area for many years.”
Ms Wood’s leadership bid has also been endorsed by Assembly Members Bethan Jenkins and Lindsay Whittle.