The 2003
Plaid Cymru leadership election was held following the resignation of
Ieuan Wyn Jones after a disappointing showing in the 2003 Assembly elections where the party fell from 17 to 12 seats.
Ieuan Wyn Jones had led the party since 2000. Ieuan Wyn Jones initially resigned but then decided to contest the leadership election, he was challenged by
Helen Mary Jones
Helen Mary Jones (born 29 June 1960) is a Welsh Plaid Cymru politician, who was a member of the Senedd from 1999 to 2011 and again from August 2018 until 29 April 2021.
Background
Jones was born in Colchester, Essex. She was educated at Colches ...
whom he had defeated three years previously, as well as
Rhodri Glyn Thomas.
Voting closed in 15 September, with the results announced at Cardiff's St David's Hall on September 18.
The contest was narrowly won by Ieuan Wyn Jones in the final round with 2,603 votes, against Helen Mary Jones' 2,532.
Candidates and Endorsements
Ieuan Wyn Jones
Supporters included:
*Dafydd Elis Thomas, former Plaid Cymru President and AM for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy
*Elfyn Llwyd, MP for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy
Helen Mary Jones
Helen Mary Jones (born 29 June 1960) is a Welsh Plaid Cymru politician, who was a member of the Senedd from 1999 to 2011 and again from August 2018 until 29 April 2021.
Background
Jones was born in Colchester, Essex. She was educated at Colches ...
Supporters included:
* Dafydd Wigley, former Plaid Cymru President
* Hywel Williams, MP for Caernarfon
* Dafydd Iwan
* Cllr Lindsay Whittle, Caerphilly Council Leader
Rhodri Glyn Thomas
Supporters included:
Results
Turnout was around 61% of Plaid's estimated 8,500 members.
References
{{Plaid Cymru
2003 elections in the United Kingdom
Plaid Cymru leadership elections, 2003
2003 in Wales
2000s elections in Wales
2003 political party leadership elections, Plaid Cymru leadership election