PLAID CYMRU has expelled Senedd politician Rhys ab Owen after he was found guilty of inappropriately touching and swearing at two women while intoxicated during a party night out. The expulsion follows an internal disciplinary process that concluded Mr ab Owen’s membership with the party.
Earlier this year, Mr ab Owen was banned from the Welsh Parliament for six weeks, marking the longest punishment ever handed out in the Senedd. This followed an investigation by Standards Commissioner Douglas Bain, who reported that Mr ab Owen had inappropriately touched two women during a night out with Plaid Cymru staff and other MSs in June 2021. Mr Bain noted that Mr ab Owen had shown “no remorse” for his actions.
Mr ab Owen, elected as the Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central in 2021, had previously admitted to his misconduct in the Senedd and issued an unreserved apology. Despite this, Plaid Cymru has taken decisive action. A spokesperson for the party stated, “Following the publication of the Senedd standards report, there has been an internal disciplinary process within Plaid Cymru. As a result, his party membership has been terminated, and he will not be eligible to re-apply for a period of at least two years.”
Suspended from Plaid Cymru’s Senedd group since November 2022, Mr ab Owen had been sitting as an independent. His suspension from the party itself came into effect after Mr Bain’s findings were made public. While his punishment would have triggered a recall petition and potentially a by-election had he been an MP, no such system currently exists in the Senedd. However, the parliament’s standards committee is exploring the possibility of introducing such a system when the institution expands from 60 to 96 politicians in 2026.
In response to his expulsion, Mr ab Owen stated, “Today’s decision is the culmination of a long process which I hope will now bring the matter to a close. It is a decision I will respect so that my family and I can look to the future. As I have done throughout, I will continue to work with and for my constituency. I am proud to do so and remain fully committed to serving the people of South Wales Central. My wife and children are my priority above all else, and I thank them for their enduring love and support.”
This decision marks a significant moment for Plaid Cymru as it reinforces its stance on maintaining high standards of conduct among its members. The expulsion serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the party’s commitment to upholding its values.
