Ex-SNP deputy Angus Robertson to lead Plaid Cymru overhaul in bid to boost Welsh independence hopes

Former SNP deputy leader Angus Robertson has been commissioned by Plaid Cymru to front a "root and branch review" into the party’s campaign machinery.



Plaid’s new chief, Adam Price, revealed the former Moray MP would mount a thorough examination of the party's standing in a bid to boost its chances of winning the next Welsh assembly elections.

Mr Robertson, who played a key role in the SNP’s bid for Scottish independence in 2014, served as the party's Westminster leader until he lost his seat to the Tories at last year’s snap election.

Mr Price, who came out on top of a leadership challenge against Leanne Wood last week, has said that the party would try to replicate the success of the Scottish nationalists, who have been in power at Holyrood for ten years.

He said Plaid, who are currently the third largest party at Cardiff Bay and have never led the assembly, were looking to “secure victory in every corner of the country” at the next election in 2021.

Addressing the party’s conference in Cardigan, the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr AM said: “To make sure we get this right conference we need a fill and honest assessment of where we are.

“I’m therefore pleased to announce that my first act as leader of the party is to commission the former SNP Westminster leader and the coordinator of the SNP’s independence campaign Angus Robertson to conduct a root and branch review of the party’s campaign machinery.

“This work will begin in earnest immediately, we’ll report promptly and we’ll look at our structures, our operations, capacity and ability to secure victory for Plaid Cymru in every corner of the country and in every level of election.”

He said the work would allow Plaid to be the “modernisers of an ancient nation”, adding: “In the old unionist parties the cupboard is bare. Theirs is a desert of inspiration in a nation that is thirsting for change.”