Famous Welsh Leaders

Aneurin "Nye" Bevan was a prominent Welsh Labour Party politician who served as Minister of Health in Clement Attlee's government, overseeing the establishment of the British National Health Service. He was known for his involvement in miners' union politics, leading the 1926 general strike, and his vocal criticisms of political figures. Bevan was elected as MP for Ebbw Vale in 1929 and served for 31 years, advocating for free medical care through the NHS. He was a key figure in the Labour Party, challenging party policies and leadership until his death.

David Lloyd George was a prominent Liberal Party politician from Wales who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1916 to 1922. He was known for his leadership during World War I, social-reform policies, and negotiating the establishment of the Irish Free State. Lloyd George was an influential figure in the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 and initiated reforms in education and housing. Despite facing challenges such as trade-union militancy and economic depression, he made significant contributions to the modern welfare state and international diplomacy.

Sir Henry Morgan was a Welsh privateer, plantation owner, and Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. He led raids on Spanish settlements and shipping ports in the West Indies, amassing wealth through prize money and loot. He gained notoriety for successful attacks on Puerto del Príncipe, Porto Bello, Maracaibo, and Panama City. Despite controversy surrounding allegations of torture, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor and served as Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica, also participating in the territory's Assembly. His legacy inspired pirate-themed fiction after his passing.

Stephen Crabb is a British politician and former Member of Parliament for Preseli Pembrokeshire. He served as Chairman of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee and was a member of the Welsh Conservatives. Crabb held various government positions, including Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, government whip, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, and Secretary of State for Wales under Prime Minister David Cameron. He lost his parliamentary seat in 2024.

Carwyn Howell Jones is a Welsh politician who had a prominent career in Welsh politics. He served as the First Minister of Wales and Leader of Welsh Labour from 2009 to 2018, following a role as Counsel General for Wales. Jones represented Bridgend as a Member of the Senedd from 1999 to 2021. Throughout his tenure, he held various ministerial positions in the Welsh Government, including Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development and Minister of State for the Environment. Jones was succeeded by Mark Drakeford in December 2018.

Samuel Milton "Golden Rule" Jones was a Progressive-Era Mayor of Toledo, Ohio from 1897 until his death in 1904. Known for his advocacy of the "Golden Rule," he implemented humane reforms in Toledo's administration during his mayoral tenure. Jones was recognized as an eccentric advocate of municipal reform and was ranked the fifth best mayor in American history by a panel of 69 scholars in 1993. He left a lasting legacy for his dedication to ethical governance and commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.

Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, was an English nobleman and general known for his involvement in the Plantations of Ireland. He served in Ireland from 1573 until his death, notably participating in the Rathlin Island massacre. His military career was marked by his leadership in various conflicts and campaigns. Devereux's actions in Ireland during this period showcased his strategic skills and military prowess. His professional life was also notable for his role in shaping the political landscape of the time through his military achievements and connections.

Francis Pym was a prominent British Conservative Party politician known for his service in various Cabinet positions during the 1970s and 1980s. He held key roles such as Foreign, Defence, and Northern Ireland Secretary, as well as Leader of the House of Commons. Pym's political career spanned over two decades, representing Cambridgeshire in the UK Parliament. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed as a life peer in 1987, solidifying his legacy in British politics.

Jon Owen Jones is a Welsh politician who served as the Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Cardiff Central from 1992 to 2005. Following this, he ran as a candidate for Change UK in Wales during the 2019 European Parliament election. Throughout his political career, Jones has actively participated in various political campaigns and initiatives, showcasing his commitment to public service and advocacy for change. His extensive experience in government and politics highlights his dedication to representing the interests of his constituents and contributing to the democratic process.

John Patrick Savage was a Welsh-born Canadian physician and politician. He immigrated to Canada in 1967 and established himself as a respected family physician in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Savage transitioned into politics and served as the mayor of Dartmouth before becoming the leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party in 1992. Elected as the 23rd premier of Nova Scotia in 1993, Savage implemented significant reforms in taxation, regional government, and hiring practices. He resigned in 1997 following low approval ratings and passed away in 2003.

Elfyn Llwyd is a Welsh barrister and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy and Dwyfor Meirionnydd from 1992 to 2015. During his time in parliament, he held the position of Plaid Cymru's Westminster parliamentary group leader. In August 2021, Llwyd was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, showcasing his continued involvement in the academic sector. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and education.

Thomas Button was a Welsh officer of the Royal Navy known for his role as an explorer. In 1612–1613, he led an expedition in search of Henry Hudson and to navigate the Northwest Passage, but was unsuccessful in both endeavors. Despite the failed mission, Button's efforts contributed valuable knowledge to the understanding of Arctic exploration and maritime navigation during that time. He demonstrated bravery and leadership in the face of challenging conditions, leaving a lasting impact on the history of exploration.

Gwynfor Richard Evans was a prominent Welsh politician, lawyer, and author known for his significant contributions to Welsh politics and culture. He served as the President of the Welsh political party Plaid Cymru for an impressive thirty-six years. Evans made history by becoming the first MP to represent Plaid Cymru at Westminster, serving two terms in Parliament. He famously campaigned for the establishment of a Welsh-language television channel, leaving a lasting impact on promoting and preserving Welsh culture and language.

Ieuan Wyn Jones is a Welsh politician known for his significant contributions to Welsh governance. He served as the Deputy First Minister in the Welsh Government from 2007 to 2011 and was a Member of the National Assembly for Wales for the Ynys Môn constituency from 1999 to 2013. Additionally, he led Plaid Cymru from 2000 to 2012 and was a Member of Parliament for Ynys Môn constituency from 1987 to 2001. Jones was recognized as Wales' "Politician of the Year" in 2007 by BBC Wales.

David Alfred Thomas, 1st Viscount Rhondda, was a prominent Welsh industrialist and Liberal politician. He served as a Member of Parliament for Merthyr Tydfil and later Cardiff before focusing on his business pursuits. Thomas was appointed to the Privy Council in 1916 and played a crucial role as the "Food Controller" in Lloyd George's wartime coalition government. Known for his leadership and expertise, he made significant contributions to both the political and industrial landscapes during his career.

Greville Janner was a British politician, barrister, and writer who served as a Labour Party Member of Parliament for Leicester from 1970 to 1997. He was later elevated to the House of Lords. Known for his work on Select Committees, Janner chaired the Select Committee on Employment for a period. He was also associated with various Jewish organizations, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Janner played a prominent role in educating about the Holocaust. Allegations of child sexual abuse were made against him in 1991, leading to a series of legal and investigative proceedings.

David Owen is a British politician and physician who served as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs as a Labour Party MP under James Callaghan. He later led the Social Democratic Party and was a Member of Parliament for 26 years. Owen was the youngest person in over forty years to hold the post of British Foreign Secretary. He was part of the "Gang of Four" who founded the SDP and later continued to lead the party until its merger with the Liberal Party. Resignations from various senior posts marked his career, including leaving the Labour Party over policy disagreements.

James Thomas Walker was an Australian banker and politician who served as a Senator for New South Wales from 1901 to 1913. He gained a public reputation for financial expertise and was active in the Federationist cause. Walker played a significant role in developing Commonwealth finance schemes and supporting the "Yes" campaign for the 1898 referendum. As a senator, he focused on finance, supported the White Australia policy, campaigned for a transcontinental railway, and advocated for a capital city on federal territory. Walker ultimately retired in 1913 due to ill health.