POLITICALLY SPEAKING

IT has been a time of change in Welsh politics, with every party having held, or being currently in the process of, conducting a leadership election.

The leadership contests have provided parties with an opportunity to engage with members, and Plaid Cymru’s leadership election certainly did that. We saw thousands of members take part in hustings events across Wales, with Adam Price winning a clear mandate from our members to lead the party into the next Assembly election.

It is clear that Wales, and Welsh politics is at a crossroads. We have had a Labour First Minister in Wales since 1999, yet Labour’s record in terms of educational standards, health and economic development indices see us at the bottom of many league tables. There is a need for fresh ideas.

A different and better Wales is possible, and at this time of global uncertainty Wales needs to grasp the levers of power.

For too long we have allowed external influences to shape Wales instead of taking the helm ourselves. Adam Price has been clear we need to start to chart our own course in the world.

In the first few weeks of his leadership, we have seen our party membership grow by more than 3,000. I am pleased to have the role of spokesperson for Local Government, Care and Public Services as part of Adam’s shadow cabinet, and I will be working to develop innovative and radical policies.