The Powys-based leader of the Green Party in Wales has defected to Plaid Cymru, he has announced.

Until joining Plaid Cymru, Grenville Ham had served as leader of The Green Party in Wales and was a Green Party councillor on Brecon Town Council.

However in July, Green Party members in Wales voted against a split with the English Green Party, making his position "untenable" according to a statement issued last week.

"During my time as Leader of the Greens in Wales I was unashamed to admit that I wanted the sole focus to be on Wales," he said.

"However, after the membership decided that they wanted to remain a party of two countries, I felt my membership was untenable and I resigned my leadership.

"Some may ask why I didn’t join Plaid in the first place, but I was brought up believing the myth that it was a party for Welsh speakers. My experiences over the years have shown me that this simply isn’t the case, and that Plaid is a party that welcomes anyone who calls Wales their home.”

The leader of Plaid Cymru's Powys group Cllr Elwyn Vaughan has welcomed Mr Ham's switch, saying his contribution to plaid will be 'much valued'.

"I warmly welcome Gren to Plaid. His values, principles and proven action with sustainability are valued and his contribution to the future of Wales as part of the Plaid Cymru team will be much valued. This will ensure that the principles of sustainability continue to be at the fore of the Welsh political agenda," he said.

The news came on the eve of Plaid Cymru’s Annual Conference in Cardigan where delegates met for the first conference since the election of new leader Adam Price over the weekend.

Mr Price said he was 'delighted' to welcome Grenville to Plaid Cymru.

"As someone who is a long-standing supporter of independence for Wales and committed to creating a sustainable future for our nation, I’m pleased that he has found a home in our party," he said.

"Grenville’s innovative ideas for creating a green future for our country will be invaluable as we prepare our exciting programme for creating a New Wales."