FORMER Plaid Cymru leader and Senedd Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas has passed away at the age of 78, his family has announced.
A towering figure in Welsh politics, Lord Elis-Thomas led Plaid Cymru from 1984 to 1991 and served as an MP for Meirionydd, later Meirionydd Nant Conwy, between 1974 and 1992 before being appointed to the House of Lords. He was also the first Presiding Officer of the newly established Welsh Assembly when it was formed in 1999, a role that cemented his reputation as a leading advocate for devolution.
Known for his independent streak, Lord Elis-Thomas later clashed with Plaid Cymru’s leadership, eventually leaving the party in 2016.
Despite this, he continued to serve in Welsh politics, taking on a ministerial role in Labour governments led by Carwyn Jones and Mark Drakeford, though he remained unaffiliated with the party. He retired from the Senedd and frontline politics in 2021.
In a statement, his family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at home on Friday morning following a short illness. “The family requests privacy at this difficult time,” they added.
Tributes from across the political spectrum
Figures from all corners of Welsh politics have paid tribute to Lord Elis-Thomas, recognising his lasting impact on the country’s political landscape.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth described his passing as “a huge loss to Welsh politics and the civic life of Wales.” He praised Lord Elis-Thomas as “one of the most influential figures of his generation” who made a “priceless contribution in laying the firm foundations of devolution.” Reflecting on his legacy, ap Iorwerth said: “We remember Dafydd as a groundbreaking MP when he became the youngest Member of the 1974 UK Parliament before leading Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction. Dafydd was a personal friend to my family and me and was an influential figure during my formative years. His love for our nation, its language, and culture was unwavering.”
Elin Jones, the current Senedd Presiding Officer, echoed these sentiments, describing him as the “Senedd’s founding father.” She reflected on his long career, stating: “Since the early 1970s, he has been omnipresent, having served in the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and our Senedd. He was keen to establish a modern democracy from the start, learning from other Parliaments what to do, and what not to do. He became the keeper of the Welsh constitution but was always prepared to think outside the box.”
Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville-Roberts, described him as “a tremendous figure in the public life of Wales,” adding: “I have spoken to so many people in the constituency, and especially in Meirionnydd, who tell me how Dafydd’s politics had passionately inspired them as young people. His tireless work and his commitment to Wales, its people, and its democracy has left a huge mark on our history.”
Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid MS for North Wales, recalled fond memories of Lord Elis-Thomas, simply stating: “Thanks to him for all the work he did for Wales.”
Former Welsh Labour minister Lee Waters also paid tribute, calling him “an amazing character” who played a vital role in Welsh politics. “I liked him a lot, even though he could be maddening. Very sad news,” he said.
Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies expressed his sadness at the news, describing Lord Elis-Thomas as someone who was “always forthright and robust when expressing his views, and for that I admired him strongly.”
A lasting legacy
As a mark of respect, flags will fly at half-mast outside the Senedd building on Friday in tribute to Lord Elis-Thomas, a man widely regarded as one of the architects of modern Welsh democracy. His influence on Welsh politics spanned decades, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
Former Plaid Cymru leader Lord Elis-Thomas dies aged 78
