Plaid Cymru Vale of Clwyd Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales - Working for the Vale of Clwyd

A prominent Labour Councillor in Denbighshire has left the Labour party and joined Plaid Cymru.

Cllr. Paul Penlington, who has represented Prestatyn North ward on Denbighshire County Council since 2012, joined Plaid Cymru this week saying that he believed the party represented the best interests of his residents and had the most positive ideas for the County and Wales.

In a broadside at his former party, he accused the Labour party of failing people badly on a local level and being allowed to do so by the party nationally.

Cllr Penlington said, "I have been impressed by the Plaid Cymru Group on Denbighshire County Council for some time. The group have consistently introduced fresh ideas, and challenged the established order. I found myself increasingly supporting their work, and wanted to be a part of their project, to improve the lives of people in Denbighshire.

"I have also been impressed by Adam Price MS's leadership during the coronavirus crisis. His forensic scrutiny of decisions being made by both Governments has helped ensure better policies to tackle the crisis here in Wales. Its obvious to me that Plaid Cymru is the party that puts the welfare and the interests of the residents that I represent in Prestatyn first."

"I cannot in good conscience be part of a party that fails people so badly on a local level and that is allowed to do so by the national party."

Cllr. Penlington added, "There are some excellent individuals within the Labour Group on Denbighshire County Council, and I will continue to work with them to push forward a progressive agenda and ensure that the people of Prestatyn and Denbighshire receive the best services possible.

Cllr. Rhys Thomas, leader of the Plaid Cymru group on Denbighshire County Council, said, "I have had the pleasure of working closely with Paul on many issues on the Council, and we continuously found ourselves in agreement on the way forward for the Council. Paul brings with him ideas and passion for his role. He's firmly routed in his community and is an excellent representative for his residents. He will be an asset to the Plaid Cymru Group."

Plaid Cymru leader, Adam Price MS, said: "Paul has found his political home with Plaid Cymru, and he will be warmly welcomed as a champion of Prestatyn and Denbighshire. The Plaid Cymru group on Denbighshire County Council have shown themselves to be an effective group, and people are recognizing the hard work that they are doing in the interests of the people of Denbighshire. Plaid Cymru's message is reaching homes across the whole of Wales, and new members are joining us in every community, because they recognize that we have a positive vision for their community and for Wales."

Cllr. Penlington is the second Councillor to leave the Labour group on Denbighshire County Council this year.