Renowned actress Sharon Morgan said she has been “inspired” to re-join Plaid Cymru to support Leanne Wood in her leadership campaign.
The award-winning Ms Morgan, who was Odette in the cult classic Grand Slam, played the part of Mary Cooper in the recent Torchwood series and starred along Michael Sheen in the film Resistance also said Ms Wood leadership vision was “exciting and fresh.”
Away from the camera and the stage, Ms Morgan has been politically active over the years and a passionate campaigner for Welsh language rights.
She said: “As a socialist and a republican I am delighted that Leanne is standing for the leadership of Plaid Cymru. This is what has inspired me to re-join Plaid.
“I feel that Leanne’s vision, not only for Wales, but tellingly, for Wales in the wider world in every sense, is both exciting and fresh, and reflects the breadth of her political mindset.
“It is a relief to hear her, not only critiquing the sorry state of twenty-first century capitalism, but also offering innovative and constructive solutions to the crisis.
“At a time when the coalition in London are bent on undermining the very values we in Wales have in our DNA, and the Labour party seems unable to manage a robust defence of those principles they profess to hold dear, and when politicians indulge in petty party political point-scoring, it is a delight to support a politician who speaks her mind, and means what she says.
“I am entirely convinced that every policy she embraces is based on both passion and integrity.”
She added: “The euphoric results of the first Assembly elections in 1999, the period of the One Wales government that resulted in the powerful Language act and the referendum that brought law-making powers to the Assembly are resounding historic achievements that Plaid should celebrate, however, at this time of great change, we stand still at our peril.
“Leanne is young, and she is forward-looking. I feel that Wales, as well as Plaid, more than at any time in our recent history, needs to move on.
“If not now, when?”
The Rhondda writer Rachel Trezise is also supporting Leanne, tweeting ‘Leanne Wood for the Plaid leadership.’
Former Pobol y Cwm actress Shelley Rees-Owen, who will be standing for election in the Pentre ward for Plaid Cymru in Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough in May, is another to have endorsed Leanne’s campaign, saying: “I’m supporting Leanne Wood because I think she has got the drive, the ambition and the passion to lead Plaid Cymru and I think she inspires a lot of people; I think she inspires the young and the old, the Welsh speakers, English speakers and I think people trust her.”
Ms Wood said: “It is great to have Sharon Morgan back in Plaid Cymru. I’m sure she can contribute to Welsh politics and the building up of our country.
She added: “I am also very grateful for the support from Shelley and writer Rachel Trezise.”
