Claim OwnershipWelsh Political Icons
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© Shared jointly between Daran Hill and the individual episode presenters
Description
A series of audio biographies of Welsh political figures commissioned and edited by Daran Hill. Each audio file has been written and presented by the ascribed author. Subjects may be alive or dead: the only rule is they must have a strong Welsh connection.
Subjects cross the political spectrum and members of all the main political parties and none. For example:
Welsh Socialism (Labour) - Aneurin Bevan, Michael Foot, Alun Michael, Rhodri Morgan, Ann Clwyd, Jane Hutt, Peter Hain or Ann Jones.
Welsh Nationalism - Adam Price, Owen John Thomas, Bethan Sayed, Leanne Wood, Cynog Dafis or Ieuan Wyn Jones.
Welsh Liberalism - David Lloyd George, Emlyn Hooson, Clement Davies, Lord Rhondda, Reginald McKenna, or Roy Jenkins.
Welsh Conservatism - Nigel Birch, Peter Thorneycroft, Wyn Roberts, Nicholas Edwards, Alun Cairns, Suzy Davies or Paul Davies.
Welsh Marxism - David Ivon Jones.
Subjects cross the political spectrum and members of all the main political parties and none. For example:
Welsh Socialism (Labour) - Aneurin Bevan, Michael Foot, Alun Michael, Rhodri Morgan, Ann Clwyd, Jane Hutt, Peter Hain or Ann Jones.
Welsh Nationalism - Adam Price, Owen John Thomas, Bethan Sayed, Leanne Wood, Cynog Dafis or Ieuan Wyn Jones.
Welsh Liberalism - David Lloyd George, Emlyn Hooson, Clement Davies, Lord Rhondda, Reginald McKenna, or Roy Jenkins.
Welsh Conservatism - Nigel Birch, Peter Thorneycroft, Wyn Roberts, Nicholas Edwards, Alun Cairns, Suzy Davies or Paul Davies.
Welsh Marxism - David Ivon Jones.
93 Episodes
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Almost forgotten today - and unfairly so - the life of Mabon (William Abraham) was a central bridge in the transition of Wales from nineteenth century Liberalism to twentieth century Labourism. Ewan Lawry tells his story.
The man from Prestatyn who represented Hull, sat in Westminster and Europe, rumbled in Rhyl, and became one of the few (but increasing) people to be named Deputy Prime Minister. Sam Tilley tells the story of the incredible and the unique John Prescott.
One of just three people to serve in the Senedd, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, Byron Davies is an absolute stalwart of the Welsh Conservatives. His contribution and impact is assessed by Tom Giffard MS.
A pivotal figure in Welsh politics who led his party into government and made the Welsh Liberal Democrats a vibrant force in Senedd politics, Mike German's story is told by Professor Russell Deacon
In a personal tribute to a strong friend, Eluned Morgan MS remembers Elystan Morgan, who died earlier in the summer. She tells the story of one of the most influential Welsh Labour MPs of his generation and a key figure in delivering devolution for Wales.
In a personal and evocative recording, Senedd Member Alun Davies reflects on the impact and contribution of Kirsty Williams, the former Liberal Democrat leader who ended up as Minister for Education, the apex of a long and effective political career.
"Ivor Richard’s story is one where the political setbacks certainly outnumber the political successes. But it is a career distinguished by diplomatic achievements and a massive role in the governance of Wales." Huw Edwards tells that story.
Few political lives end in such public failure as J.H. Thomas, who was for the first decades of the Twentieth Century a central figure in Labour and British politics. Ewan Lawry reminds us of this Welsh-born trade unionist who became a fixture of the MacDonald governments until his foolish fall from grace and power.
In a highly personal and incisive account of politics, Senedd Member Ken Skates MS tells the story of Sir David Hanson, one of the most accomplished and long serving Welsh Labour politicians in Westminster in the most recent quarter of a century
Icons sub-editor Jennifer Ramsay offers a detailed appreciation of her friend and boss Paul Davies, whose time as Welsh Conservative leader demonstrated his skills as a politician of both consensus and boldness.
A year ago, Welsh Political Icons began. One of our earliest and most regular contributors, Jean Sylvan Evans, today tells the remarkable story of Rosalind Rusbridge, the conscientious objector who fell victim to wartime oppression by Swansea Council.
D.A. Thomas, or Lord Rhondda as he became, was the most prominent Welsh capitalist of the turn of the Twentieth Century. He was also a prominent Liberal politician who rose to be a Cabinet minister under Lloyd George's wartime coalition as well as a notable peer. Emissary to America during the First World War, survivor of the sinking of RMS Lusitania, and father of one of the most remarkable women in Welsh politics.... Ewan Lawry summarises a life so rich it deserves a movie
Barry-born Abdulrahim Abby Farah is one of Wales' major internationalists of the Twentieth Century. It was Farah who led the United Nations deputation to the country in early 1990 to confirm that the regime was being dismantled in accordance with the agreements made, having previously been Chair of the UN Special Committee on Apartheid during the 1960s, and Chair of the 1972 UN Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, on matters relating to Africa – the first time in twenty years that the UN met outside of its New York headquarters. Ian Johnson tells his remarkable story.
In a clever and articulate account of Alun Michael's contribution to politics in Wales and Westminster, Liz Silversmith tells the tale of not just a former First Secretary of the National Assembly and former Secretary of State for Wales, but a man who is continuing to hold public office with energy and drive a third of a century after first becoming an MP.
"A normal person. A woman. A younger woman, with a valleys accent like me. Who spoke with passion about social justice, about wanting to change our communities. To get stuck in, not sit around talking. This was my kind of 'politician'." Bethan Sayed pays a warm tribute to her friend and mentor, Leanne Wood.
In the words of Wyn Roberts from his diary in 1991 "There is a new generation coming up in the Tory Party…" Few Conservative politicians exemplify that new generation more than Alun Cairns. Assembly Member, MP, Welsh Secretary and mainstay of the party for a quarter of a century, Matthew Day tells his story.
The founder and direction setter of the South African Communist Party was the Welshman David Ivon Jones - his remarkable life and his considerable contribution to international communism and anti racism is reviewed by Rhys Ab Owen MS, who has become Icons' de facto international correspondent.
Few modern Welsh politicians can match the enthusiasm and national self belief of Adam Price, the leader of Plaid Cymru. Lewis Owen tells his story with an appropriate level of oomph.
Gwilym Lloyd George was the son of a Prime Minister who rose to become a Home Secretary, representing several constituencies including Pembrokeshire, and undertaking a political journey through all shades of the Liberal Party before becoming a Conservative. Ewan Lawry tells his story.
Kicking off an occasional series of Icons on members not re-elected in May, Crispin John looks at the strengths and contributions of Mark Reckless, perhaps the most mercurial member of the last Senedd
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