Plaid reshuffles its leading pack

Ieuan Wyn Jones wants a Welsh parliament

Plaid Cymru Assembly Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones has made five changes to his team.

Describing his new line up as "an exceptionally strong team of talent", he spoke about the challenges - health, education, economic development and the environment - which would be at the top of the party's political agenda.

Added to that list, he added, would be the issue of funding from Westminster.

"One of the most significant obstacles to progress in Wales is the serious funding gap we face as a result of the discredited Barnett formula which is used to determine the level of funding we receive from Westminster," he said.

"Our new team will take on that challenge and campaign for reform of the Barnett formula and the funding of our public services with renewed vigour."

Among changes was Helen Mary Jones - his rival in the recent leadership contest.

But he insisted that she had wanted the environment job and said moving her away from education was by no means a demotion.

Another change will see Janet Ryder taking over the education portfolio.

Alun Ffred Jones will be leaving, with former health spokesperson Dr Dai Lloyd taking on the role of spokesman for finance, local government and the public services.

Mr Jones said nobody within his team had been demoted, he said: "I am not interested in promotions and demotions, only how best to use my team's talents."

Plaid's new-look team:

Ieuan Wyn Jones - party leader

• Janet Davies - chair of audit committee; chief whip; speaker on transport.

• Jocelyn Davies - business

• Alun Ffred Jones - chair of environment, planning and countryside committee and leader of the local government election campaign

• Elin Jones - economic development

• Helen Mary Jones - environment, planning and countryside; group spokesperson for the parliament for Wales campaign

• Dai Lloyd -finance; local government and public services; group chair

• Janet Ryder - education and lifelong learning (group treasurer)

• Owen John Thomas - culture, sport and the Welsh language

• Rhodri Glyn Thomas - health and social services (deputy leader)

• Leanne Wood - social justice and regeneration; group spokesperson on equal opportunities