Who is Leanne Wood? Plaid Cymru leader who wants independence for Wales – all you need to know
Wood has been a member of the Welsh Assembly since 2003 and was elected leader of her party in 2011
LEANNE Wood is leader of social-democratic party Plaid Cymru.
But what do we know about the left-wing firebrand who wants to gain independence for Wales?
Who is Leanne Wood?
Leanne Wood is Member of the National Assembly for Wales for South Wales Central and leader of Plaid Cymru.
She has been a member of the Welsh Assembly since 2003 and was elected leader of her party in 2011.
She is a left-winger from the former industrial valleys of South Wales.
Mrs Wood advocates Welsh independence and was once ordered out of the Assembly Chamber for referring to The Queen as "Mrs Windsor" during a debate.
Before entering politics she worked as a probation officer and university lecturer.
Mrs Wood refuses to take the leader's allowance to which she is entitled.
The 45-year-old was arrested in 2007 while protesting against Trident in Scotland
She is married and has one daughter.
Who are Plaid Cymru?
Plaid Cymru are the political party of Wales.
The social-democratic party campaigns for Welsh independence but wishes to stay within the EU.
The party was formed in 1925 and won its first seat in the UK Parliament in 1966.
It now has three of 40 Welsh seats in the UK Parliament, 11 of 60 seats in the National Assembly for Wales.
The socialist party also campaigns for promoting the revival of the Welsh language and attaining membership of the United Nations for an independent Wales.
When was the BBC debate?
The Election Debate aired on BBC One live from Cambridge on May 31.
The show was moderated by BBC Radio 4’s Today presenter Mishal Husain.
It is available to watch on BBC iPlayer for those who missed out.
