Adam Price has been elected leader of Welsh independence party Plaid Cymru, ending the six-year reign of Leanne Wood.

Fewer than 6,000 party members took part in the ballot, which saw Ms Wood dumped from the contest in the first round after receiving the fewest votes.

In his victory speech Mr Price vowed to bring “new energy and new ideas” to the party, adding “Our message must be simple. Yes Wales can”.

He said: “We must become the hope of those without hope.

“This election shows we are ready to lead again. Our time has come.”

In the first round of voting Mr Price received 2,863 votes, with runner-up Rhun ap Iorwerth on 1,613 and Ms Wood with 1,286.

Ms Wood was then eliminated from the contest, with those who voted for her having their second preference added to the other contenders, which resulted in Mr Price receiving 3,481 votes and Mr ap Iorwerth getting 1,961.

Plaid Cymru Westminster group Leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP said after the result: “This election has been energising and I look forward to working with Adam Price to take the fight to the Labour Welsh Government in Cardiff and the Tories in Westminster.

“Between our membership and supporters there is a spirit for change, to raise confidence and ambition, to perceive independence as the natural protection against looming threats, and as an assertion of faith in a future of our own making.

Adam Price
Mr Price, makes his way onto the stage after winning the contest in Cardiff (Ben Birchall/PA)

“Evidently, no single individual can achieve this alone, and so with renewed vigour we must come together to create a unified voice and vision.

“Now more than ever Wales needs great leaders. I believe that Adam Price will deliver the leadership we need at this crucial time.”

Leanne Wood
Leanne Wood led Plaid Cymru since 2012 (PA)

Mr Price, 50, served as a Plaid Cymru MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr from 2001 before standing down at the 2010 election to join the Welsh Assembly.

Ms Wood, 46, represents Rhondda in the Assembly, was elected leader in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016.