FORMER deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced his intention to step down as leader of Plaid.
His announcement that he would leave the post "within the first half of this Assembly term" came a week after Plaid, which had governed Wales in coalition with Labour until the election, lost four seats, including that of his deputy Helen Mary Jones in Llanelli.
Mr Jones, who has led the party for almost 11 years, said: "It has been an immense privilege for me.
"I have also witnessed many historic and momentous events during that period, not least leading the party into government for the first time in its 86-year history and the referendum on law-making powers.
"We now have the proper law making Parliament we have fought so long and so hard to achieve."
Mr Jones said he took his share of responsibility for Plaid's "disappointing" election results.
The Anglesey AM said: "The party obviously needs time to reflect on the results, look long and hard at our message, our party structures and campaigning abilities."
Paying tribute to Mr Jones, South Wales West Plaid AM Bethan Jenkins said: "Under his stewardship, Plaid Cymru was able to return law-making to Wales for the first time in 800 years through the referendum on further powers — a truly historic event."
And Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Plaid AM for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said: "He's certainly been a very successful leader of Plaid Cymru."
But Mr Thomas also said it was time to rebuild the party and create an identity for it.
Former agriculture minister Elin Jones, Simon Thomas, a former Ceredigion MP and now Mid and West Wales AM, and former heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones are among those being mentioned as possible replacements for Mr Jones.
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