Plaid Cymru's leader has admitted he is "concerned" by claims of an "awful culture" in his party amid some unease amongst members in the way allegations have been dealt with.
Divisions in Plaid Cymru have grown in recent months with critics claiming there is an increasingly toxic atmosphere under Adam Price’s leadership with staff members saying complaints are not being properly investigated.
Responding to the criticism on BBC Radio Wales Drive with Gareth Lewis on Thursday, Mr Price said: "I've made it very clear that Plaid Cymru, like all parties, has to work to improve its culture and ensure that it has a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
"I'm concerned to read this and we're committed to ensuring that we do practice those values of inclusivity and creating a safe space. As a result of these comments, we will be reaching out to all our staff, giving them a space to share their experiences confidentially. And we are committed, absolutely, to taking any necessary action as a consequence of learning from them."
Read more: Discontent in Plaid Cymru at culture under Adam Price as issues mount
Last week, we reported testimony from people within the party which paints a picture of staff members being “scared” to report concerns and frustrations that complaints are not diligently investigated.
The Welsh Parliament's Standards Commissioner is investigating serious allegations made against Rhys ab Owen, MS for South Wales Central, who has been suspended. However we reported that reported that the allegations against Mr ab Owen have been known about by the Plaid leadership for more than a year. However, Mr Price declined to comment on the ongoing case. He would only go as far to say: "It's not possible for us to comment on a case which is being investigated at the moment." Mr ab Owen is suspended in the meantime.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the party has also commissioned a HR firm to look into misconduct allegations in Plaid Cymru, unrelated to Rhys ab Owen. It was another issue Mr Price was unprepared to talk about but according to BBC Wales, Plaid Cymru chairman Marc Jones said he was taking "all these matters and processes very seriously".
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He added: "While at this point we naturally cannot share any information on any individual cases or allegations, I want to assure all Plaid Cymru members that I take all these matters and processes very seriously.
"We have engaged external HR experts to assist our work. We are offering support to all staff, as we prioritise their wellbeing. We are carrying out a survey of staff experiences that will inform future decision making.
"Consistent with not prejudicing the outcome of any ongoing investigation, we will be open as we can as we continue to ensure that all our internal processes are followed diligently at all times."
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