A new pro-independence party for Wales will field candidates in the four Welsh constituencies sacrificed by Plaid Cymru as part of a ‘remain pact’ with the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party.

Gwlad, Gwlad will stand in Montgomeryshire where the Green Party and Plaid Cymru have stepped aside and backed the Liberal Democrat candidate, with the party’s founder Gwyn Wigley Evans (pictured, inset) – born in Machynlleth and currently living in Llanddeiniol – vying for the seat.

Mr Evans said: “The ‘Remain Alliance’ has been cooked up in London between the Lib Dems, the Greens and Plaid, without local consultation of any sort.

“By standing in the four constituencies, we want to give an opportunity for people to cast a vote for real Welsh independence.

“A large number of people asked us to step into the breach, and this is what we have done.”

The party, launched 12 months ago, said it was campaigning on an independent sovereign state for Wales, a Citizens’ Income, a fair and simple flat tax system, unlocking Wales’ renewable energy potential, and working countryside with opportunities for the young.

“We believe that Wales can be a very successful stand-alone nation and we are working hard to promote the cause for independence by attracting the 90 per cent of Welsh electorate who do not vote for Plaid Cymru,” Mr Evans added. “We really need to move away from the Westminster circus.”

The party will also stand in the Vale of Glamorgan where the Lib Dems and Plaid stood down in favour of the Green Party candidate, and in Brecon and Radnorshire and Cardiff Central where the Greens and Plaid have allowed the Liberal Democrats a free run at the ‘remain’ vote.

Mr Evans now lives in Llanddeiniol, near Llanrhystud.

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