Plaid Cymru has decided to postpone its annual conference that was due to be held in Aberystwyth following a rise in coronavirus cases.

The annual party conference was due to take place on 15 and 16 October in Aberystwyth, but with rising numbers of Covid-19 across the country, party chiefs have taken the decision to postpone.

Alun Ffred Jones, chair of Plaid Cymru, said: “Plaid Cymru’s National Executive Committee met last night to discuss a recommendation from the party’s Steering Committee that our 2021 Annual Conference should be postponed.

“Following careful consideration, the NEC agreed with the recommendation and regrettably conference will not be taking place as planned in Aberystwyth on 15 and 16 October.

“I know members will share our disappointment that we will not be meeting in person to discuss ideas and build towards the local elections next year.

“As a party we will always put the safety of our members, stakeholders, and communities first.

“The number of Covid cases remains high and current projections are that pressures on our hospitals will peak around the date of Conference. It is vital that we play our part in keeping everyone safe.

“It is however important that we do come together at the earliest possible opportunity. The party will discuss options for hosting a virtual Annual Conference in the near future that will allow us to conduct the essential business of forming policy and electing representatives to the National Executive Committee.”

Welsh Labour also called off its annual party conference due to rising rates of Covid cases in the country.

In a statement, a party spokesperson said the executive committee agreed to postpone the event until November.