Renowned harpist Elinor Bennett Wigley has declared her backing for Leanne Wood’s bid to become leader of Plaid Cymru.
Elinor Bennett Wigley said: “I would like to express my support for Leanne Wood as the next leader of Plaid Cymru. I believe that it is of the utmost importance that a young person is in the driving seat to gain the support of the younger generation for Plaid Cymru.
“Leanne is a natural leader, and has the ability to inspire others. She is passionate about matters which I deem important – social justice, human rights, women’s issues, economic prosperity, and the future of the Welsh language and its culture.
“Wales needs a new voice to move forward to an exciting period in our history and Plaid Cymru must win the support of voters in the South Wales Valleys to be a credible governing party . Leanne has shown many times that she is a most effective politician both within her community in the Rhondda Valley and nationally. I sincerely hope that she will have the opportunity of continuing and deepening her work throughout Wales.
“I look forward to an exciting and flourishing new period ahead for Plaid Cymru under the leadership of a vibrant, talented and able young woman.”
Leanne Wood said: “I’m really delighted to have the endorsement of Elinor Bennett, who is a leading figure in the cultural life of Wales.”
Among high profile party members that have declared their support for Leanne Wood are former Plaid President Dafydd Iwan, MP Jonathan Edwards, ex- MP Adam Price. Assembly Members Bethan Jenkins and Lindsay Whittle, former Plaid chief executive Gwenllian Lansdown Davies and Allan Pritchard, the Plaid leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, have also backed the Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales Central’s leadership bid.
Leanne Wood also received the most nominations – 14 – from constituencies and branches across Wales for her leadership bid.
Further information on Leanne’s campaign can be found on her website at www.leannewood2012.com
