Plaid Cymru chief executive Carl Harris leaves job

Carl Harris had been in the chief executive role for 17 months

The chief executive of Plaid Cymru has left his job, party members have been told.

Carl Harris, who previously worked in the constituency office of Plaid leader Adam Price, had been in the post since July 2021.

The party declined to comment on whether he had received a payoff.

The announcement comes at a difficult time for Plaid amid reports of a toxic culture and concerns around about lack of leadership within the party.

An allegation of sexual assault has also been made against a senior member of staff.

The announcement comes at a difficult time for Plaid amid reports of a toxic culture

'Long service and commitment'

In a letter to members, Plaid's chairman Marc Jones thanked Mr Harris for his "long service and commitment to the party, both as a county councillor and a member of staff, and most recently as chief executive".

"We wish him well for the future," Mr Jones added.

He also told members he would update them on the "organisational structure" in the new year.

Mr Harris said it had been a "privilege" to work for Plaid Cymru.

"The party is fortunate to have some of the most talented staff and dedicated activists, alongside whom I have had the honour of campaigning.

"I wish the party every success in the future."

Plaid Cymru has been rocked by recent reports of a toxic culture within the party.

At the end of November BBC Wales reported that an allegation of sexual assault had been made against a senior member of staff.

Meanwhile, another person said the same senior member of staff made them feel uncomfortable on several occasions.

Plaid has not commented on the specific allegations.

'Clear on our values'

The claims are separate to allegations made against Plaid Member of the Senedd (MS) Rhys ab Owen, who remains suspended from his party's group.

The suspension at the beginning of November followed what is understood to be a serious allegation about his conduct, and is pending an investigation by the Welsh Parliament's standards commissioner.

Speaking to ITV Wales' Sharp End programme on Thursday night, Plaid leader Adam Price announced the party had appointed former Assembly Member Nerys Evans to chair a working group alongside the party's National Executive Committee.

He said the group had been set up "so we can get to a situation where we want to be - where we are clear on our values".

It is expected to report on its findings in spring 2023.

In a previous statement, Mr Jones said: "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 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."