Leanne Wood says Plaid's goal of independence took a step back in the Senedd election

Plaid Cymru's former leader and Person in the Senedd Leanne Wood has spoken the very first time since losing her seat.

Ms Wood had held the Rhondda seat for 5 years, and before that had been AM for South Wales Central.

She lost her seat within the 2021 election to Labour's Buffy Williams.

Speaking towards the BBC's Leaders Lounge Ms Wood asserted Plaid Cymru needed a brand new strategy.

Asked how she was by presenter Betsan Powys, Ms Wood replied: “I'm ok”.

“I live to battle another day, it's difficult to help keep a great woman down, as they say”.

Asked when she realised she would not be re-elected, she replied: “We thought we were along with a chance up to the count and I believe it might be close, even though it wasn't. It was a powerful campaign from Labour and also the national campaign had an effect too. The Covid question was huge, I think that Mark Drakeford's handling of Covid was widely perceived to have been handled well.

“From Plaid Cymru I think the the leadership and also the strategists will have some head scratching to complete.

“We've lost the seat in theValleys that we needed to build out from, and our majorities have raised in those seats we've traditionally held for 3, 4 or 5 decades.

“That objective of independence will probably be difficult to achieve if we're only polling well in those parts of Wales where we also have polled well.

“So the process to reach out has had a big take a step back, I believe, and we'll need to think about the way we react to might I believe there needs to be a brand new strategy.”

Asked what Plaid Cymru needed to do, she said: “It's about building in those areas where there's a high population, and in the former industrial areas, not just the south however in its northern border east too. We must continue to do what we should do, I believe.

“It's the city building work, the game and visibility on the streets. It's being bold the poorest individuals society and it's also making the situation for independence which makes sense to people.

“I believe that, there is a quite strong argument to create and that i don't think it's been made yet, that the status quo is actually harmful to people.

“The poverty levels we have, it's tough to see the way we increase our prosperity underneath the current set, using the limited powers, whichever party is within power in Wales since the setup isn't there to permit that prosperity”.

She said there is route from poverty by “being able to make decisions for ourselves”.

“I think that's going to have form a part of Plaid Cymru's strategy,” she said.

She said strategists and leaderships may need to look at what will switch to not just take a seat but ensure that it stays as well.

Presenter Ms Powys said there was “different feel” towards the group now. “There are three aps inside now, all Welsh speakers, it's a different feel to the group now.”

Ms Wood replied: “Let's not pigeon hole people and stereotype individuals any way. Everyone has a contribution to create.

“I think people are likely to be surprised, in a great way by people in this new intake.”

Asked if she planned to carry on having a role in public places life, Ms Wood said she'd “continue in certain form, some way”.

“I've had a large amount of thinking and reflecting and considering to complete, I don't want to jump into something,” she said.

“I've been doing this job for 18 years, so it'll take some kind of 'pivot' as we say.

“So I need some time to rest, and also to have a think too.”

Ms Wood led Plaid Cymru from 2012 until 2021 when she faced a leadership challenge from Adam Price and Rhun ap Iorwerth and came third within the subsequent ballot of party members.

Mr Price, who won that contest, has insisted he'll continue as leader.

“I'm not walking away from anything, since this is the moment when Wales needs leadership,” he said.