Jonathan Edwards’ “position as an MP sends the wrong message out to domestic abuse survivors in Wales and beyond.”

That is the opinion of Adam Price MS, leader of Plaid Cymru, who has called for the MP to resign.

This comes after the MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr stood down from Plaid Cymru's Westminster ranks yesterday (Saturday, August 13), only days after Wednesday’s announcement that Edwards could represent Plaid once again.

The 46-year-old MP was suspended from the party in 2020 following his arrest, which saw him accept a police caution for the assault on his wife in May of that year.

However, news that he would be allowed to rejoin the Plaid Cymru group at Westminster was met with outrage, with Mrs Edwards stating she was 'appalled' at the decision.

Now, Adam Price MS has called on Edwards to resign as an MP and a member of Plaid Cymru.

The party leader said: “As stated, it is my firm belief that Jonathan Edwards cannot continue to represent Plaid Cymru in Westminster and should resign immediately.

“I also call on Jonathan Edwards to leave the party. His actions do not represent our values and his position as an MP sends the wrong message out to domestic abuse survivors in Wales and beyond.

“I would like to thank Emma Edwards for speaking out yesterday and for her to know that her voice has been heard.

“I would also like to offer my apology to her and all domestic abuse survivors for the pain this has caused.

“Our disciplinary processes must change to give victims of gender-based violence a central role in any enquiries. This work will begin immediately and will be given the urgency and gravity it clearly deserves.”

The Plaid leader's comments follow a lengthy statement from Edwards, released yesterday (Saturday, August 13). 

In his statement, he said: “It is with deep regret that I announce that I will not be re-joining the Plaid Cymru Westminster group.

“I wish to state at the outset that I have never made any public comments in relation to the event that led to my arrest or my marriage. My priority has always been my children and not my career.

“Suffice to say that my wife and I are nearing the end of a divorce process, and I will not be responding to any comments she chooses to make while I am a Member of Parliament and our children are young.

“I take full responsibility for the action that led to my arrest and subsequent police caution. I will regret that day to the end of my life.”