PLAID Cymru unveiled its new leader yesterday after Rhun ap Iorwerth was the only candidate to enter the race to succeed Adam Price after his shock resignation.

The nationalist party was rocked by the publication last month of former Senedd member Nerys Evans’s report in setting out 82 recommendations to deal with allegations of misogyny, racism and bullying in the party.

Mr ap Iorwerth is a former BBC journalist and represents Anglesey in the Senedd as well as being the party’s former deputy leader and health spokesman.

He referenced the report’s recommendations and said he would be “uncompromising in taking them forward.”

“Wales needs a strong Plaid Cymru if we are to build a confident nation working in partnership with others but with its future firmly in its own hands.”

First Minister Mark Drakeford welcomed the appointment of Plaid Cymru’s new leader.

He said: “I look forward to a constructive working relationship to continue delivery of the ambitious programme set out in the three-year co-operation agreement between the Welsh government and Plaid Cymru.”

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies has been criticised for his Donald Trump-style social media posts and he struck a typically discordant note.

He said: “I’d like to congratulate Rhun on his appointment as leader of the third largest party in Wales. The change of leadership came about because of the previous leadership’s inability to tackle issues within their party.

“As Rhun was the deputy leader in that team, what’s changed.”

Mr ap Iorwerth said: “I will lead a party which offers a home for everyone who is ambitious about creating a fairer, greener, more prosperous society — a home for those who are already confident or curious about independence.”

But in contrast to Mr Price’s leadership, which talked openly about socialism and the party’s support of trade unions in struggle, the new leader did not mention either in his acceptance speech.

Regular Morning Star columnist Luke Fletcher, Plaid’s economy spokesman, said he was looking forward to “working with him on our shared ambitions and policies.

“Rhun is a great communicator, and he will demonstrate that Plaid Cymru is a credible alternative to Welsh Labour here in Wales.”