This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8263248.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Plaid MP Adam Price to stand down Plaid MP Adam Price to stand down
(30 minutes later)
A leading Plaid Cymru MP often predicted to be the next party leader has announced he will stand down at the next general election. A Plaid Cymru MP often tipped as the next party leader will leave Parliament at the next election, before he hopes to join the Welsh assembly.
Adam Price, who represents Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, is to take up a year-long Fulbright scholarship in the United States. Adam Price, who represents Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, will first take up a year-long Fulbright scholarship in the United States.
It is not known whether he intends fighting the 2011 Welsh assembly elections. He then wants to stand in the 2011 Welsh assembly election.
Mr Price, aged 40, said "the time is ripe for change" after two terms at Westminster.
In a statement, Mr Price said he was "incredibly honoured" to represent his seat.
But he added: "I do not think it would be right to return to Westminster at the next election when my passion is in Wales and at the assembly.
I do not think it would be right to return to Westminster at the next election when my passion is in Wales and at the assembly. Adam Price MP
"My aim will be to seek nomination and stand for election in 2011 as part of [party leader] Ieuan Wyn Jones's assembly team.
At Plaid's recent conference, he spoke of his frustration at being an MP.At Plaid's recent conference, he spoke of his frustration at being an MP.
He told delegates in Llandudno last weekend he felt he did not belong in the House of Commons and that he wanted "a Parliament which belongs to me and to us".He told delegates in Llandudno last weekend he felt he did not belong in the House of Commons and that he wanted "a Parliament which belongs to me and to us".
Mr Price said: "I do want to come home.Mr Price said: "I do want to come home.
"I'm tired of hitting my head and my hand against the dumb cold walls of Westminster. "I'm tired of hitting my head and my hand against the dumb cold walls of Westminster. I will never feel that I belong in that Parliament, though I have to breathe its dust-laden air."
"I will never feel that I belong in that Parliament, though I have to breathe its dust-laden air. 'Radical ideas'
"I want a parliament which belongs to me and to us." He said he was looking to spending the year after the general election "studying in America as part of the Fulbright programme in order return to politics in Wales with greater experience and innovative radical ideas".
Mr Jones said the MP had been "outstanding" in Westminster and the US scholarship was "further recognition of Adam's talents and his belief that we in Wales should take every opportunity to learn and share ideas and best practice from across the globe".
The Plaid leader said Mr Price had his "full support" in achieving his aim of being elected to the assembly.
The Fulbright Commission website says it "offers a selection of awards for UK citizens looking to study in the US and for US citizens coming to the UK".The Fulbright Commission website says it "offers a selection of awards for UK citizens looking to study in the US and for US citizens coming to the UK".
Impeachment attempt
Mr Price, widely regarded as a future leader of Plaid Cymru, was one of the authors of the One Wales Agreement, the basis of the Labour-Plaid coalition Welsh Assembly Government formed two years ago.Mr Price, widely regarded as a future leader of Plaid Cymru, was one of the authors of the One Wales Agreement, the basis of the Labour-Plaid coalition Welsh Assembly Government formed two years ago.
But in March he embarrassed Plaid's leadership when he alleged ministers plans to scrap a grant covering the cost of student "top-up" fees breached the spirit of the coalition deal and could be illegal.But in March he embarrassed Plaid's leadership when he alleged ministers plans to scrap a grant covering the cost of student "top-up" fees breached the spirit of the coalition deal and could be illegal.
In 2004 Mr Price led a high-profile attempt to impeach former Prime Minister Tony Blair over the Iraq war.In 2004 Mr Price led a high-profile attempt to impeach former Prime Minister Tony Blair over the Iraq war.
He won the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr seat in the 2001 general election, Plaid's only gain in that year, and increased his majority in 2005.He won the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr seat in the 2001 general election, Plaid's only gain in that year, and increased his majority in 2005.