FORMER Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis Thomas has urged the party’s supporters in Clwyd South to switch their allegiance to Welsh Labour’s Susan Elan Jones.

Lord Elis-Thomas says anyone who doesn’t want a Tory MP should vote tactically re-elect Ms Jones, who has been the area’s MP since 2010.

In a letter to residents, serving AM Lord ElisThomas – whose Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency borders Clwyd South to the west – said: “As a former Member of Parliament for Meirionnydd, which included substantial communities in Clwyd South, I urge supporters of Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats to seriously consider voting tactically in the election for Westminster in order to prevent the Tories from taking the seat.

“I think there is a real threat to the powers of the National Assembly when the UK leaves the EU. We need a strong team of progressive MPs from Wales to ensure that powers over agriculture, fisheries, the environment and the economy come from the EU to Wales rather than Westminster.”

Lord Elis-Thomas added: “Susan Elan Jones has proven herself to be fully committed to the area and is one who shares your progressive values.”

Ms Jones said: “I am the only candidate in Clwyd South who can stop Theresa May’s Tories securing a landslide General Election victory. “It’s a straight two-horse race between Welsh Labour and the Tories, and a vote for Plaid Cymru, the Lib Dems, UKIP or any other party will simply help the Tories sneak in.”