National Assembly for Wales’ Presiding Officer wins ‘Politician of the Year’ Award

National Assembly for Wales Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas has been awarded the title ‘Politician of the Year’ at this year’s WALES YEARBOOK 2008 WELSH POLITICAL AWARDS. The Awards showcase the highlights of the political year in Wales and salute the achievements of MPs, AMs, MEP’s and councillors.  The Presiding Officer received his award at a glittering awards ceremony held at Cardiff’s City Hall.   

The citation for the award reads:

“Lord Elis Thomas takes this year’s top prize for his role in the Assembly’s transformation into a true legislature, passing Welsh laws under its new powers. As the Assembly’s first –and so far only- Presiding Officer, he has had no precedent to guide him –something he has seen as an opportunity rather than a problem. Dafydd Elis Thomas has never been afraid to revise his opinions to reflect changing circumstances. A radical republican when first elected to Westminster at the age of 27, he has been keen to involve the Queen and Prince of Wales in the Assembly’s ceremonies as he works to weave devolution into the constitutional fabric of the nation.”