The 2012 Plaid Cymru leadership election was held following the resignation of Ieuan Wyn Jones following the 2011 Assembly Elections. Following the election Jones originally stated that he would resign in the first half of the Assembly term.Ieuan Wyn Jones to stand down as Plaid Cymru leader BBC News, 13 May 2011 Nominations officially opened on 3 January 2012.
The leadership was fought by former Agriculture Minister Elin Jones, former party leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas and backbencher Leanne Wood.Plaid to name new leader from Lord Elis-Thomas, Elin Jones, and Leanne Wood BBC News, 15 March 2011 Simon Thomas declared his intention to run, but later withdrew in favour of Elin Jones.
The Guardian reported that 7,863 members were entitled to vote, which was an increase in membership of 23% over the preceding four-month period.Plaid Cymru membership increases by 23% The Guardian, 27 January 2012
Leanne Wood was declared leader on 15 March 2012,Plaid Cymru elect Leanne Wood as new leader BBC News, 15 March 2012 taking over as leader the day after.
Results CandidateFirst roundSecond roundVotes%TransfersVotes% Leanne Wood2,87947.7 4473,32657.1 Elin Jones1,88431.2 6102,49442.9 Dafydd Elis-Thomas1,27821.1Total6,0411001,0575,820100
Endorsements
Of the 11 Plaid Assembly Members, Elin Jones received the support of 6 (including herself), Leanne Wood won the backing of 3 (including herself) and Dafydd Elis-Thomas 1 (himself). Out going leader Ieuan Wyn Jones did not publicly back any candidate.
Elin Jones AMs: Jocelyn Davies Rhodri Glyn ThomasPlaid Cymru leadership: Rhodri Glyn Thomas backs Elin Jones BBC News, 20 February 2012 Alun Ffred JonesFFRED SUPPORTS ELIN JONES Simon ThomasSimon Thomas withdraws from Plaid Cymru leadership race and backs Elin Jones Wales Online, 6 February 2012 Llyr Huws Gruffydd
MPs Hywel Williams
Others Dafydd TrystanPlaid Cymru leadership: Adam Price backs Leanne Wood BBC News, 9 January 2012 Dai Lloyd, former AM Nerys Evans, former AM Cynog Dafis, former AM and MP
Dafydd Elis-Thomas Councillor Delme Bowen, Dyfed Edwards, Leader of Gwynedd County CouncilPlaid leadership 2: Democratic instinct is a resource for hope IWA, 23 February 2012 Chris Franks, former AM
Leanne Wood AMs: Bethan Jenkins Lindsay Whittle
MPs: Jonathan Edwards (Campaign Manager)
Others: Adam Price, former MP
References