THE mayor of Penmaenmawr has joined Plaid Cymru after quitting the Labour Party.

Steven Consterdine, who works in the hospitality industry as an owner/operator of two venues in the Conwy area, said he was encouraged by the response he'd had within Plaid Cymru and the welcome the party had given him and others who have quit Labour's ranks.

Cllr Consterdine, who grew up in Penmaenmawr, said cancelled his Labour membership in December, by which time he “truly believed that I no longer had a political home”.

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He added: “I was aware that one of my local county councillors, Cathy Augustine, had recently crossed the floor from Labour to Plaid Cymru.

“We hold similar principles and beliefs and she offered me the opportunity to meet with some local members and national officers to discuss the concerns that, for me, were a barrier to joining Plaid Cymru – particularly the approach to the Welsh language and to independence.

"I appreciated the time given to go through my concerns and, during the course of a number of meetings, I realised that the values and ideals of Plaid Cymru are aligned with my own, most of all the core principles that underpin a sustainable future for Wales.”

Last November, Cllr Augustine, who represents the Penmaenmawr ward on Conwy County Borough Council, also switched from Labour to Plaid Cymru.

She added: “I’m so pleased that a friend and colleague has joined me in making the decision to become part of the Plaid Cymru family – a party that more closely reflects our shared values of community, equality and fairness for all.

“Steven’s values, energy and local insights will be a huge asset and I’m personally really pleased that we’ll be once again working and campaigning from the same platform.”

Catrin Wager, Plaid Cymru's parliamentary candidate for the new Bangor Aberconwy seat, said: "It’s a real honour to have Steven join Cathy as new Plaid Cymru councillors in Penmaenmawr.

“They are both people of principle, who genuinely want to make a positive difference to people’s lives locally. 

“Cathy and Steven are incredible champions for their community, and I look forward to working with them for the benefit of the people of Bangor Aberconwy.”