2003 Scottish National Party leadership election

Scottish National Party (SNP) leadership election May 2017 May 2017 2003 Scottish National Party leadership election presidential no 2000 Scottish National Party leadership election 2000 2004 Scottish National Party leadership election 2004 27 September 2003 160x160px John Swinney 577 83.9% 120x120px Bill Wilson 111 16.1% Leader John Swinney John Swinney There was a Scottish National Party leadership election in 2003 following a challenge to John Swinney's position as National Convener of the Scottish National Party (SNP). Swinney defeated his challenger, although his victory would be short lived, and he would step down the following year following an unsuccessful European election. Background Following the poor showing of the SNP in the 2003 parliamentary and local elections, SNP activist Bill Wilson challenged Swinney for the party leadership. Wilson accused Swinney of ignoring the grassroots party membership, and argued that the SNP had failed to adequately fight for independence. Roseanna Cunningham called Wilson was a "stalking horse" candidate put forward to "weaken and damage" the leadership.25 July 2003 Swinney will defend leadership https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3095193.stm BBC News 10 July 2017 Issues Wilson ran a campaign attacking Swinney's proposals for party reform, which he claimed would centralise power and impoverish local branches. Wilson also challenged Swinney to a series of debates, although Swinney refused to take part.14 August 2003 Leadership challenger slams Swinney https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3152355.stm BBC News 10 July 2017 Wilson also attacked what he saw as the "New Labourization" of the party, and argued that the party was more effective at pressuring Labour into changing positions on issues, rather than actively seeking power itself.The Scottish National Party: Transition to Power https://books.google.com/books?id=XNnW9CJVKmwC&dq=2003+SNP+election+bill+wilson&pg=PA39 39 9780199580002 Mitchell James Bennie Lynn Johns Rob 2012 The election was also yet another fight between the party's Fundamentalists and gradualists, with Wilson attacking Swinney's proposal for a referendum on independence before pursuing negotiations with the British government. Wilson argued that as soon as the SNP can form a government it should pursue negotiations to end the union.Campbell Kirsten 27 September 2003 SNP leader looks to the future https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3145342.stm BBC News 10 July 2017 Result The election was held at the party's 69th annual conference, and saw Swinney winning a massive victory over Wilson. Moves in support of Wilson's proposition of pursuing independence negotiations without a referendum were thrown out at the party conference, and Swinney won significant policy battles over imposing a monthly levy on party MP's, MSP's, and MEP's. In a surprise result, the new central membership system was also approved. The membership changes had been a key issue of attack from Wilson. The election was the last SNP election to use the delegate voting method. Future elections would be based on a one-person-one-vote postal vote system. 7 February 2012 Electing and Ejecting Party Leaders in Britain https://books.google.com/books?id=rvK9hZWRPLEC&dq=2004+SNP+election&pg=PT146 9780230362789 Quinn Thomas Candidate Delegate votes Votes % John Swinney 577 83.9 FFFF00 83.9% Bill Wilson 111 16.1 FFFF00 16.1% References 2003 Scottish National Party leadership election Scottish National Party leadership election Category:2000s elections in Scotland Category:2003 political party leadership elections in the United Kingdom