CEREDIGION AM Elin Jones has said it is “time for a new leader” of Plaid Cymru, backing both of Leanne Wood’s rivals for the job.

A leadership contest was triggered earlier this year, which will see Ms Wood - who has been leader of the party since 2012 - go up against the AM for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr Adam Price, and Ynys Môn AM Rhun ap Iorwerth in a three-way battle for the top job later this month.

Ms Jones, who stood for the leadership against Ms Wood after the resignation of Ieuan Wyn Jones, said she would be giving Mr ap Iorwerth her first vote, and Mr Price her second vote, despite saying Ms Wood has done “an excellent job”.

“I’ll be voting for change,” Ms Jones said.

“I do so, not as a criticism of the current leadership, but in recognition that we need to achieve more.

“These are extraordinary times and require creative and confident parties.

“We cannot risk timidity in our response to the challenges facing our country as a result of the Brexit referendum.

“As a party, we must not become complacent or content with speaking to each other, rather than reaching out to wider Welsh society.

“We are no longer a party of protest, but rather a party which aspires to run the government.

“As things stand, we need a gear change in order to build the momentum necessary to win the next election, to form that government.

“That’s why I’ll be voting for change."

A series of hustings events will be held this month, with the results of the leadership election announced on 28 September.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now