Davies, Ron (1946– )

British Labour politician, born in Wales, secretary of state for Wales 1997–98. After serving as a local government councillor 1969–84 he was elected to the House of Commons in 1983, representing Caerphilly. He was placed in the Whips Office 1985–87 and then made steady progress within the party. He was opposition spokesperson on agriculture and rural affairs 1987–92, to which responsibility for food issues was added in 1989. Then, after a short period as shadow minister for agriculture, he served as shadow secretary of state for Wales 1992–97. In 1997 he oversaw the successful introduction of legislation to create an elected assembly with devolved powers in Wales, but in 1998 in controversial circumstances resigned as the Labour candidate for the leadership of the National Assembly for Wales and as secretary of state for Wales.

Born near Newport, south Wales, Davies was educated at Portsmouth Polytechnic and the University College of Wales, Cardiff. He was a school teacher 1968–70, and then a Workers' Educational Association tutor/organizer 1970–74, and Further Education Adviser to the Mid-Glamorgan Local Education Authority 1974–83.