Ieuan Wyn Jones is the leadership favourite

"After careful consideration and wide consultation with party representatives and members at all levels, I have decided to put my name forward for President of Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales," she said.

"I firmly believe that my day to day work as an MEP representing the whole of Wales places me in an ideal position to be President of the party, working with the leaders of Plaid Cymru groups at all levels - in the National Assembly, in the European Parliament, in Westminster and in local government.

"I have received numerous messages of support from grass roots members from all over Wales, and over the next few weeks I will be taking my message to members the length and breadth of Wales.

Helen Mary Jones - launched campaign

Launching her campaign last week, Helen Mary Jones said her priorities would be social justice, promoting equality, fighting poverty and building communities.

She will be publishing a manifesto within the next two weeks.

Ms Jones is considered second favourite for the post of the party's president, at odds of 3-1.

The favourite, AM and MP for Ynys Mon, Ieuan Wyn Jones, has seen his odds cut from 1-3 to 2-5 to win the leadership race.

Welsh bookmakers Jack Brown have slashed the odds for Ms Evans from 25-1 to 5-1.