ADAM Price has been elected as the new leader of Plaid Cymru.

The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr AM beat Leanne Wood, who had been the party’s leader since 2012, and Anglesey AM Rhun ap Iorwerth to the role.

In a shock, Rhondda AM Ms Wood was knocked out in the first round, having received 1,286 votes.

Once the second preferences of voters who had picked Ms Wood as their first choice were counted, Mr Price came out on top with 3,481 votes to Mr ap Iorwerth's 1,961.

Speaking after the result was announced earlier today, Friday, Mr Price said he was "profoundly humbled and honoured" to have won the role.

"Today we've taken the first step on a new path a path of great change in our party and country, a change that will and must bring us increased membership, increased authority and power on behalf of our people," he said.

"Yes, the journey will be difficult, but you know I will give every I have to make it a success.

"The journey begins today on the foundations Leanne has built.

"As the first openly gay man to lead this party, and indeed any party in Wales or on this island, I am a modern, inclusive leader of a modern, inclusive Wales where everyone is of equal value and no one will be left behind.

"There will be no second class travellers on our journey to a prosperous, self-confident and independent Wales."

He also applauded his predecessor, saying: "As the first woman leader of our party her place in history is already secured.

"As leader she has inspired thousands with her drive, her resilience and her unending commitment to the cause which she and we hold dear.

"Her continued contribution, support and advice will be invaluable to me and to all of us in the months and years ahead."

He also echoed Barack Obama's famous 'Yes we can' campaign slogan by saying: "Our message to the Welsh people must be simple - yes, Wales can."

Mr ap Iorwerth, who kicked off the leadership contest by challenging Ms Wood, congratulated his competitor on Twitter, and said: "A new era begins, & we will be forever grateful to you, @LeanneWood for your unstinting work for @Plaid_Cymru & for Wales."

Ms Wood did not give interviews to the media following the result, but said on Twitter: "Congratulations to @Plaid_Cymru’s new leader, Adam Price."

Mr Price served as Plaid MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr from 2001 until 2010, when he stood down. He was elected for the same constituency to the Assembly in 2016.