YesCymru: Welsh independence campaign group axes chief executive 'for cost reasons'

The group's chair, Barry Parkin, said it had a "responsibility to ensure that membership money is spent wisely". Former chief executive Gwern Gwynfil thanked those who had sent him "messages of support" in recent days.

Tomos Evans

Wales reporter

Thursday 21 December 2023 17:04, UK

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A group campaigning for Welsh independence has axed its chief executive role "for cost reasons".

YesCymru said a majority of its board of directors made the decision to ensure its finances remained "in a healthy position".

YesCymru was established in 2014 with a call for an independent Wales with "its own government and institutions".

The group is not affiliated with any particular political party.

As of January 2023, it had 7,000 members - 10,000 fewer than it had at a peak two years previously.

The latest polling by Redfield and Wilton shows 34% would support an independent Wales.

In a statement, the campaign group's chair, Barry Parkin, said it had a "responsibility to ensure that membership money is spent wisely".

Mr Parkin said it was "not an easy decision to make" but added that Gwern Gwynfil had been aware of discussions surrounding the future of the position.

"The phrase 'sacked', which I have heard used about the board's decision, implies or gives the impression that the CEO was dismissed for misconduct or inappropriate behaviour. There is nothing further from the truth," Mr Parkin said.

YesCymru confirmed it would be honouring any notice period within the chief executive's contract but Mr Parkin said he was "not at liberty to reveal those details".

Mr Parkin claimed there were elements trying to "undermine the legitimate majority decisions" of the board.

"Those elements will not succeed in undermining our focus, which remains to support our grassroots members, the local groups, and campaigns to continue to stimulate the growth we have seen recently in the support for Welsh independence," he said.

Mr Gwynfil told Sky News he had been "inundated with messages of support" in recent days.

"If I could take an opportunity to thank all of those who have done so, it really does feel as though I've been buoyed up by a sea of love three or four days before Christmas and that has been incredibly supportive and useful for me personally," he said.

"Ultimately, the cause of independence is far bigger than any individual or small group of individuals and YesCymru is, has been, and will continue to be an absolutely key part of that campaign."

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