General election campaigning in Wales suspended after death of Rhodri Morgan
Election campaigning across Wales has been suspended for the day as a mark of respect following the death of former First Minister Rhodri Morgan.
Described by Peter Hain as “the father of devolution,” last night’s announcement of his passing at the age of 77 has seen tributes pour in from across the nation.
Mr Morgan was the First Minister from 2000 to 2009 and remains the longest serving person to hold Wales’ top political office.
Elected as the Labour MP for Cardiff West in 1987, he joined the Assembly upon its inception in 1999, before finding himself as the nation’s First Minister just a year later.
He retired from frontline politics at the 2011 elections but his wife, Julie, still sits in the Senedd as the AM for Cardiff North. He also leaves two daughters and a son.
In a statement, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Wales hasn’t just lost a great politician, we’ve lost a real father figure.
“In very many ways Rhodri wasn’t like other politicians and that is why people warmed to him, trusted him, and felt like they knew him so well.
“He was funny, clever, engaging on almost any topic and absolutely passionate about all things Welsh.”
A frequent visitor to North Wales, one particular trip by the keen walker, remains a fond memory for one Daily Post reporter.
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Eryl Crump, who covered Mr Morgan’s opening of Hafod Eryri on the summit of Snowdon in 2009, recalled: “Always the gentleman, he was kind and generous with his time being far more approachable and accessible than many politicians.
“Instead of letting the train take the strain, he led a party of politicians and officials along the PyG track.
“Fuelled by chocolate biscuits he set off at a cracking pace which belied his years and his history of illness. He told me he went for a 30-minute walk every day.
“He regaled me with tales of his previous ascents of the mountain including his first when the only specialist equipment he had was a bottle of pop!
“High above Llyn Glaslyn he asked for a private moment and took a phone call. He returned to the pack and announced he had just had a “summit meeting” with someone.
“Near the top of the zigzags we had to wait out of sight for a train to go chugging past. It would not be right for the guest of honour to arrive before the other dignitaries!”
But despite over 20 years in politics, the popularity of the fluent Welsh-speaker and devoted sports fan transcended party lines, with politicians of all political colours paying warm tributes.
Between 2007 and 2011, his Labour group led a coalition government with Plaid Cymru in Cardiff Bay.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Mr Morgan’s deputy during that administration, described him as “likeable, extremely loyal and highly knowledgeable.”
“It wasn’t easy for him to deliver the coalition in sections of his party, but Rhodri stood firm and we agreed a very progressive programme of government,” he added.
“I send my deepest condolences to Julie and the family in their bereavement.”
Current Plaid leader, Leanne Wood, said: “Rhodri Morgan was much respected across the political spectrum and led Wales with distinction during a crucial period in Welsh history.
“I extend my condolences on behalf of everyone in Plaid Cymru to his family.”
Glyn Davies, spent eight years as an assembly member before becoming the Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, describing Mr Morgan as a “star performer.”
“Rhodri brought leadership, stability and colour to the National Assembly for Wales at a time when leadership, stability and colour were needed,” he said.
“He was an unusual leader, hugely knowledgeable, cunning as a fox and universally liked, with a truly astonishing memory. He was a proper grown up politician who helped the National Assembly grow up.”
“Rhodri was a top man, who did Wales proud, and deserves to be honoured and remembered as one of our great leaders.”
Welsh Tory leader, Andrew R.T Davies, recalled his first meeting with Mr Morgan as being a memorable one.
“Our first meeting was not in the political arena but came after Rhodri was forced to barricade his garden late on an autumn Sunday evening after some of my cattle had misbehaved and wandered into the Morgans’ – he was undoubtedly one of life’s true characters.
“He was a giant of devolved politics in Wales, and while politically we didn’t see eye to eye, there is no question that he was held in high regard right across the political spectrum and he will be missed by all who knew him.”
Welsh Lib Dem leader, Mark Williams, said: “He will be remembered as an extremely charismatic and engaging leader, and the kind words we have heard from so many today show the enormous respect and admiration for Rhodri.
“He led Wales in those early years, putting Welsh politics on an even footing. In what was a difficult early period for devolution, Rhodri built a coalition to deliver on the promise of devolution.”
