Pioneering Plaid MP dies

Gynfor Evans, Plaid Cymru’s first MP, died this morning, aged 92, following a long illness.

Mr Evans became the party’s president in 1945 and was elected to Westminster in 1966.

Tributes have been coming in from politicians across the political spectrum. Labour First Minister Rhodri Morgan described him as a “good and gentlemanly figure”, adding: “Although his relationships with Labour MPs were not always positive, there is no gainsaying his massive contribution to Welsh public life, and particularly in raising the profile of Wales and Welsh issues throughout his long career in Welsh and British politics.”

Mike German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the Assembly, said: “He earned respect from across the political spectrum. His passing marks the end of a chapter in Welsh political history”.