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 Colchester County High School for Girls, Caereinion High School in Powys and the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, where she was awarded an honours degree in history and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. She has taught in the special education field and has held various positions in youth, community and social work. Jones is dyslexic and dyspraxic, which she did not disclose during her time as an additional needs teacher. She told WalesOnline: "I hid the problem from my colleagues, but not from the kids. I thought it might help the children if they knew that somebody who was a teacher and, in their eyes successful, had problems too." Political career Jones was the deputy leader of Plaid Cymru from 2008 to 2012. Her political interests include environmental issues, social justice, equal opportunities, children's rights and employment.