ANGLESEY'S Assembly Member Rhun ap Iorwerth has launched a bid to become the new leader of Plaid Cymru.

Mr ap Iorwerth, who replaced Ieuan Wyn Jones as the island's AM in 2013, has previously ruled out plans to challenge Leanne Wood for the position.

However, the former broadcaster and journalist has now confirmed that he will put his name forward along with Carmarthen East and Dinefwr AM Adam Price.

Declarations from Mr ap Iorwerth and Mr Price came just hours before a biennial window closes, allowing Plaid AM's to launch a leadership challenge.

In a video released on social media on Wednesday, Anglesey's AM said his fellow party members, constituents and supporters from across Wales had encouraged him to put his name forward.

"This should be a constructive debate and a positive one that can energise the party and the country, and it’s in that spirit that I am accepting the nominations," he said.

"In the spirit of real excitement and passion about the future of our country."

Mr Ap Iorwerth added that he wanted to "discuss different visions, styles and ideas" for Wales and spoke of his hopes for a "fairer and more prosperous future" for the country.

Three Plaid Cymru AM's - including Arfon's Sian Gwenllian had urged colleagues in the Senedd to put their names forward ahead of a potential contest after Leanne Wood had said she would stand down in 2021 if she did not become First Minister at the next Assembly elections.

Following confirmation of his nomination, Mr ap Iorwerth spoke of his vision for Wales and how he hopes to help the country grow in the near future.

"We need to become a Wales that looks forward, not over its shoulder," he said.

"A Wales that rolls up its sleeves to look after its most vulnerable, and that seeks to develop the best ideas in order to prosper.

"A Wales that welcomes new citizens, encourages and helps them to embrace its culture, and asks them to make Wales not only their home but their nation, too.

"That is the broad vision, and to deliver it we must be a broad party.”