Morgan, Rhodri (1939- )

Welsh Labour politician, first minister and Labour Party leader in the National Assembly for Wales from 2000. He was secretary for economic development from 1999, and became first minister after the resignation of Alun Michael. Morgan is popular among party members as an independent Labour voice for Wales, and the party increased its seats in the Assembly in the 2003 elections. Formerly an MP for Cardiff West 1987-2001, he was opposition spokesperson for energy 1988-92 and Welsh affairs 1992-97. He was elected in 1999 to the Welsh Assembly for the Cardiff West constituency.

Born in Cardiff, the son of a professor of Welsh, he is a Welsh speaker. He studied at Oxford University and Harvard University, in the USA. Before being elected an MP in 1987, he worked as a civil servant for the Department of Trade and Industry and headed the European Commission office in Wales 1980-87.