The family of Lord Elis-Thomas, the former leader of Plaid Cymru and Senedd Presiding Officer, announced his death on Friday at the age of 78. Elis-Thomas was the first speaker of the Welsh assembly, opening in 1999. Flags will be lowered on half-mast outside the Senedd building in honor of the architect of devolution. Elis-Thomas played a key role in Welsh politics since the 1970s when he was first elected to serve as MP for Meirionydd, followed by his work in the House of Lords, maintaining a presence until his departure in 2021.
Despite being an independent-minded politician, Elis-Thomas experienced conflicts with the Plaid leadership which led him to leave the party in 2016. He served as a minister in the Labour governments of Carwyn Jones and Mark Drakeford, although he wasn’t a member of the party. Elis-Thomas’ loss has left a significant gap in Welsh political life, with condolences pouring in across the political spectrum.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, the current Plaid leader, commented on the priceless contribution that Elis-Thomas made in establishing the firm foundations of devolution. Iorwerth described him as a close personal friend and one of the most influential figures of his era. Meanwhile, Elin Jones, the current Senedd Presiding Officer, paid tribute to Elis-Thomas’s resilience, sound judgment, and impressive legacy.
Liz Saville-Roberts MP, Plaid Cymru, praised Elis-Thomas as a political figure whose work touched the lives of many young people in his constituency, noting that Welsh society had benefited greatly from his tireless work and devotion to Wales. Lord Elis-Thomas was also remembered by Llyr Gruffydd MS as a “remarkable character who worked hard for Wales and its people,” former Labour minister Lee Waters characterized him as an “amazing character” who played a crucial role in Welsh politics, while former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies admired his forthrightness and robust expression of views
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