THE leader of the Wales Green Party has said she will step down at the end of this month, citing “untenable” financial arrangements.

Alice Hooker-Stroud, who is from Machynlleth and conducted her first interview as leader of the party with the Cambrian News in January last year, announced she would make way for deputy leader, Grenville Ham, at the end of March.

And Ms Hooker-Stroud, who became the youngest leader of any UK political party at just 31 years old, took a parting swipe at the financing of political parties, revealing she had been working voluntarily since taking over as leader.

“As a party that cares about who lines our pockets, we don’t take funds from big business donors like other parties do,” she said.

“That means our members have the biggest say - not corporate lobbyists - but it has contributed to my role being effectively a voluntary one, which for me has sadly become untenable.

“I am proud that every person in our party has an equal say, and proud that when I speak on behalf of the party, I know I speak on behalf of our members.

“However, the financing of political parties in general needs urgent reform so that politicians aren’t just the mouthpieces for big business, and so that alternative voices are heard.”

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