Adam Price

Adam Price. He is a prominent Welsh nationalist politician and former researcher who has served as the Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr since 2016. A leading figure in Plaid Cymru, he served as the party's leader from 2018 to 2023, advocating for Welsh independence and significant constitutional reform. His career has spanned roles in the House of Commons, the Senedd, and within various economic and cultural institutions in Wales.

Early life and education

Born in Carmarthen in 1968, he was raised in the village of Trimsaran. He attended Ysgol Gyfun Pantycelyn in Llandovery before studying at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he was influenced by figures in the Welsh language movement. He later earned a Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University as a Fulbright Scholar. His early professional work included a period as a researcher for the BBC in Cardiff and for MEP David Morris in Brussels.

Political career

He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr in 2001, succeeding Dafydd Wigley. In the House of Commons, he served on the Welsh Affairs Select Committee and gained attention for leading a parliamentary motion concerning the Iraq War. He stood down from Westminster in 2010. After a period outside elected politics, working on economic projects like the Welsh Whisky Company, he was elected to the National Assembly for Wales in 2016. He became leader of Plaid Cymru in 2018, succeeding Leanne Wood, and led the party through the 2019 general election and the 2021 Senedd election. He resigned as leader following a critical report on the culture within the Senedd.

Policy positions and political views

A central and consistent advocate for Welsh independence, he has authored significant policy documents such as "Independence in your pocket" and proposed a detailed roadmap toward a sovereign Wales. His economic vision, often termed "Green growth," combines environmental policy with democratic economic renewal, influenced by thinkers like Mariana Mazzucato. He has been a strong proponent of expanding the powers of the Senedd, including support for its enlargement and reform. His positions also include advancing Welsh language rights, criticizing the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, and advocating for closer Celtic cooperation with Scotland and Ireland.

Electoral history

He first won the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr seat in the 2001 general election, defeating the Labour candidate. He retained the seat with increased majorities in the 2005 general election. He did not contest the 2010 general election. In the 2016 Welsh Assembly election, he was elected as the Member of the Senedd for the same constituency, succeeding Rhodri Glyn Thomas. He was re-elected in the 2021 Senedd election, with Plaid Cymru remaining the second-largest party in the Senedd.

Personal life

He is openly gay and has been a visible advocate for LGBT rights. He is a noted enthusiast for Welsh cuisine and culture, having been involved in ventures promoting Welsh food and drink. He is a fluent Welsh speaker and has contributed to various media and cultural debates in Wales. His interests include economic history and constitutional theory.

Category:Plaid Cymru politicians Category:Members of the Senedd Category:Alumni of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth