Jonathan Edwards suspended from Plaid Cymru for a year

Jonathan Edwards has been suspended from Plaid Cymru for a year and will be permanently excluded if he fails to meet the terms of the party's disciplinary process. He's said that he fully accepts the decision.

The Carmathen East and Dinefwr MP had accepted a police caution after he was arrested on suspicion of assault in May, an incident he described as 'by far the biggest regret of my life.'

Plaid Cymru's chair said "All forms of harassment, abuse and violence are unacceptable, and this has been reflected in the verdict.”

The party's disciplinary panel issued this statement:“Jonathan Edwards referred himself to the party’s disciplinary process and co-operated fully with the investigation.Having considered all the evidence, the panel imposed a 12-month suspension from the party. Any lifting of the suspension after 12 months is dependent upon Mr Edwards appearing before the panel to demonstrate that he has undertaken a period of self-reflection and learning to address his actions.A caution for common assault is a serious matter and if Mr Edwards fails to abide by the terms of the suspension he will be excluded.”Plaid Cymru's Chair, Alun Ffred Jones said:“Plaid Cymru condemns any behaviour that falls below what is expected of our membership.The speed and outcome of the disciplinary process reflect the seriousness with which the party has dealt with this matter.All forms of harassment, abuse and violence are unacceptable, and this has been reflected in the verdict.”

Jonathan Edwards had been previously also been suspended from Plaid's parliamentary group following his arrest. After receiving a police caution, a party investigation was triggered when Mr Edwards referred himself to Plaid's disciplinary committee.

He said tonight "I fully accept the decision of the disciplinary panel."