Plaid MP to swap Westminster for Cardiff

BBC Wales is reporting that Plaid MP for Camarthen East and Dinefwr, Adam Price will stand down at the next election.

Only 40, Mr Price has been tipped as a future leader of the party but is retreating from Westminster to study for a year in America. He intends to stand for the Welsh Assembly in 2011 - although he has yet to name a seat.

A statement from Mr Price speaks of his honour at representing his constituency in Parliament, where he enjoys a majority of 6,718 over Labour.

"I do not think it would be right to return to Westminster at the next election when my passion is in Wales and at the assembly," Mr Price said.

He is taking up a prestigious Fullbright Scholarship to study in America where he intends to examine devolution in the American federal system of government.

Not so long ago, our esteemed editor was bemoaning the lack of press releases from the Plaid conference - well, if you click this link you can read Mr Price's conference speech in full; it's wide-ranging and very instructive on Welsh political history.

I'm sure we'll hear from Mr Price again.

Photograph © Brynmeillion @ Welsh Icons