Leanne rejects suggestion of co-leadership model for Plaid
PLAID Cymru leader Leanne Wood has thrown back the gauntlet to potential leadership challenger Adam Price, telling him she rejects his idea of a co-leadership model for the party.
Earlier this week Mr Price wrote an article in the Western Mail in which he argued that Plaid needed change if it was to have a chance of forming a government after the next National Assembly election in 2021.
To avoid what he feared could be a bitter and divisive leadership election, he suggested that Plaid should have a shared leadership, with one female AM and one male AM having joint authority.
He suggested he could challenge Ms Wood if she didn’t support his proposal.
Nominations for a two-year leader’s term close at 11.59pm today. While Mr Price – the AM for Carmarthen East & Dinefwr – has already received three nominations from local parties, he must confirm his willingness to stand before the deadline.
Ms Wood told BBC Wales: “I can’t see how it would work in practical terms.”
She called on potential challengers to “bring it on” and said she was “very” confident of winning any potential contest.
Earlier she said in a statement: “Wales faces huge challenges and that’s why we need a Plaid Cymru government more than ever.
“I want to lead this party with a positive platform into the 2021 election and I intend to become First Minister.
“I’ve set myself a high bar, and I’m putting my job on the line for it.”
The Plaid Assembly group said after a meeting: “Party leadership structures should always be considered for renewal and there is merit in exploring new ideas.
“However, the group agreed that such proposals are a matter for the party and its membership, rather than the Assembly group.”
Ynys Mon AM Rhun ap Iorwerth has also confirmed that he is considering standing for the party leadership.