A Porthmadog town councillor has received the backing of a Plaid Cymru stalwart as party elections draw near.

Former chairman of Porthmadog Town Council, Simon Brooks, has been backed by former Ceredigion MP and AM, Cynog Dafis.

Cllr Brooks said it was ‘a huge privilege’ to have been endorsed by Cynog Dafis, former Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, which includes the Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency.

The announcement comes a week after Porthmadog county councillor Nia Jeffreys was given the backing of former Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Elfyn Llwyd and Dafydd Wigley.

Mr Dafis said: “I am delighted to support Simon as Plaid Cymru candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd. From my personal knowledge of Simon I am confident that he has the ability and commitment to make a major contribution to Welsh politics at the national level.”

“Simon has the expertise and experience to lead, particularly on policies to develop the Welsh language.”

Cllr Brooks said: “It is a huge privilege to receive the support of Cynog Dafis, a former AM for the area. Cynog has a record second to none in promoting Welsh-speaking communities, an emphasis absolutely central to my vision.”

“I am also delighted to receive the backing of both county and town and community councillors the length and breadth of Gwynedd.

“I’d like to thank Cllr Seimon Glyn of Tudweiliog, Cllr Carol Hayes and Cllr Melfyn Edwards of Porthmadog, Cllr Hefin Wyn Jones of Trawsfynydd, Cllr Iwan Edgar of Pwllheli and Cllr Goronwy Davies of Llanbedr for their public support.

“This is a critical time for Wales. In truth, it is a time of national crisis. Dwyfor Meirionnydd needs a strong Assembly Member prepared to stick to his guns and stand up for Wales. I believe I can be that individual.”