The leadership contest in 2000, caused by Alex Salmond's decision to step down as party leader, was marked by serious argument between the Gradualist wing of the party, who in the main supported Swinney, and the Fundamentalist wing, who in the main supported Alex Neil. Swinney won the contest but the media raised some doubt about his ability to lead the party following poor SNP performances in the 2001 UK general election and the 2003 Scottish Parliament election. He saw off a leadership challenge from Bill Wilson in 2003, winning by 577 votes to 111.