Plaid suspends MP for a year after assault caution
AN MP who has been suspended by Plaid Cymru for 12 months after being cautioned for an offence of common assault will sit as an Independent for the next year.
Jonathan Edwards, the MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, was arrested at his home in May and last month was cautioned following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
A statement issued on behalf of Plaid’s disciplinary panel said: “Jonathan Edwards referred himself to the party’s disciplinary process and co-operated fully with the investigation.
“Having considered all the evidence, the panel imposed a 12-month suspension from the party.
“Any lifting of the suspension after 12 months is dependent upon Mr Edwards appearing before the panel to demonstrate that he has undertaken a period of self-reflection and learning to address his actions.
“A caution for common assault is a serious matter and if Mr Edwards fails to abide by the terms of the suspension he will be excluded.”
Party chair Alun Ffred Jones said: “Plaid Cymru condemns any behaviour that falls below what is expected of our membership.
“The speed and outcome of the disciplinary process reflect the seriousness with which the party has dealt with this matter.
“All forms of harassment, abuse and violence are unacceptable, and this has been reflected in the verdict.”
Mr Edwards said: “I fully accept the decision of the disciplinary panel.”
He did not wish to comment further.
It is understood that during his period as an Independent MP his team will operate from an office in Newcastle Emlyn.
He was arrested at his home in Ammanford on May 20 on suspicion of assault.
Last month he apologised after receiving a police caution.
In a written statement, he said: “I am deeply sorry. It is by far the biggest regret of my life.”
At the time of the incident, a spokesman for Dyfed-powys Police confirmed a 44-year-old man from Ammanford had been arrested on suspicion of assault.
He was released on bail and a Plaid Cymru spokesman said the whip had been withdrawn from Mr Edwards pending the conclusion of a police investigation.
Mr Edwards was not charged, but received a caution from the police.
In his statement after receiving a caution, he said: “I complied fully with the police and acted with the best interests of my wife and children as my primary motive throughout.
“I have referred myself to an investigation by my party.
“My priority now is to work with my wife to ensure as stable a future as possible for our family.”
His wife Emma Edwards also gave a statement, saying she accepted his apology.
She added: “Throughout the decade we have been together, he has been a loving and caring husband and father.
“As far as I am concerned the matter is now closed.”
Party chair Mr Jones said at the time: “We are aware of the personal statement made by Mr Edwards, who recognises his actions fall below what is expected.
“Mr Edwards issued the statement with the support of his family and we ask that their privacy is respected.
“[He] has referred himself to the party’s disciplinary committee and has been suspended.”
Mr Edwards has represented Carmarthen East and Dinefwr since May 2010, when he replaced Plaid’s now leader Adam Price.
Since 2016 Mr Price has represented the same constituency at the Senedd.
At the General Election last December, Mr Edwards had a majority of 1,809 over the secondplaced Conservative candidate.