Rhodri Morgan, Cardiff West, Wales
Rhodri Morgan
Oxford/Harvard educated Rhodri is commited to developing Wales for the benefit of all. Rt. Hon Rhodri Morgan AM, the second First Minister of Wales and Leader of the Welsh Assembly.
Rhodri Morgan is the Assembly Member for Cardiff West. A fluent Welsh speaker, he was born in 1939 and is a graduate of Oxford and Harvard University. He lists health, the environment, European Affairs and regional development among his political interests. He is married to Julie Morgan, MP for Cardiff North, and they have one son and two daughters.
Initially a Tutor Organiser for the Workers Education Association (1963-1965), Rhodri Morgan was employed as a Research Officer for Cardiff City Council, the Welsh Office and the Department of the Environment (1965-1971), before becoming an Economic Adviser for the Department of Trade and Industry (1972-1974). Between 1974-1980, he was Industrial Development Officer for South Glamorgan County Council before becoming Head of the European Commission Office in Wales (1980-1987)
Rhodri Morgan was elected to Parliament in 1987 but decided not to stand again in the General Election in June 2001.
During his time as a MP, he was Chairman of the House of Commons Select Committee on Public Administration (1997-99). He served as the Opposition Front Bench Spokesman on Energy (1988-92) and Welsh Affairs (1992-97).
He was elected as the Assembly Member for Cardiff West in 1999 and was appointed as the Assembly Secretary for Economic Development & European Affairs. He was appointed First Secretary of the National Assembly in February 2000 and retained responsibility for Economic Development matters until October 2000. The title of his office changed to First Minister in October 2000, an office he retained following the 2003 election. He was appointed First Minister by the Queen following the elections in May 2007.
Connection: First Minister of Wales
comment by:Cymrucelt
Has also been an MP and has held several positions before becoming first minister.