FORMER leader of the Green Party in Wales Grenville Ham has defected to Plaid Cymru.

Mr Ham, who was the party's leader in Wales until earlier this year and also serves on Brecon Town Council, said he had made the decision following last week's election of Adam Price as the new leader of Plaid.

"I’m pleased to be able to say that I have joined the only party that is focused solely on the future of Wales, and a party that consistently has the best environmental policies," he said.

"During my time as leader of the Greens in Wales I was unashamed to admit that I wanted the sole focus to be on Wales. However, after the membership decided that they wanted to remain a party of two countries, I felt my membership was untenable and I resigned my leadership.

"Some may ask why I didn’t join Plaid in the first place, but I was brought up believing the myth that it was a party for Welsh speakers. My experiences over the years have shown me that this simply isn’t the case, and that Plaid is a party that welcomes anyone who calls Wales their home.

"Social justice, tackling poverty and getting serious on climate change were the reasons I got into politics and I’m confident that under Adam’s leadership we can deliver the change that is so desperately needed for the people of Wales".

While leader of the Green Party in Wales, a role he left earlier this year, Mr Ham campaigned for the Welsh and English branches to split into separate parties. But members blocked the proposal in June.

Mr Price said he was "delighted" by the news.

"As someone who is a long-standing supporter of independence for Wales and committed to creating a sustainable future for our nation, I'm pleased that he has found a home in our party," he said.

"Grenville’s innovative ideas for creating a green future for our country will be invaluable as we prepare our exciting programme for creating a new Wales.”

The announcement came as Plaid prepares for its autumn conference this weekend.