David Nicholson, Wales Reporter

PLAID CYMRU politicians responded quickly to the resignation of Adam Price today by appointing Llyr Gruffydd as the party’s acting leader.

The move came after Mr Price told the party’s national executive on Wednesday evening that he was stepping down following a report into sexual harassment and misogyny within the party.

Senedd group members nominated Mr Gruffydd to be acting leader and the party’s national council will ratify the decision tomorrow.  

The interim leader will be in place until the summer while the party works on a timetable to elect a permanent leader by the members.

Mr Gruffydd, who has been MS for the North Wales region since 2011, said: “I would like to thank Adam for his vision, commitment, and dedication over the last four years.

 “Our focus is now on moving forward together to deliver on behalf of the people of Wales, and to foster a better culture within the party. 

“I hope members will entrust me with the responsibility of leading that work until we elect a new leader.”

First Minister Mark Drakeford responded to the developments by saying there would need to be talks about the co-operation agreement between the two parties.

He said: “I want to thank Adam Price for the constructive way the Welsh government and Plaid Cymru have worked together to develop and implement the Co-operation Agreement. 

“The co-operation agreement is an agreement between the Welsh government and Plaid Cymru — not between individuals. 

“There will be discussions about the agreement in light of recent developments.”

Mr Price’s resignation came after a report by former Plaid politician Nerys Evans was published last week and found the party had “failed to implement a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment.”

Mr Price had apologised and accepted all of the report’s 82 recommendations to “detoxify” the party, but refused to resign saying to quit would be an abdication of responsibility.

The report also included evidence from a staff survey and elected members highlighting cases of sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination within Plaid Cymru.

Former minister Ken Skates had demanded that Welsh Labour withdraw from the co-operation agreement, saying he did not want to deal “with bullies, misogynists or anyone who discriminates against others.”