Welsh Language Commissioner Aled Roberts has died aged 59.
Mr Roberts was previously an Assembly Member for North Wales and councillor in Wrexham.
He was born and raised in Rhosllannerchrugog near Wrexham and studied Law at University of Wales Aberystwyth. He worked as a solicitor in the Wrexham, Ruthin and Mold areas for a number of years.
He represented Rhos and Ponciau on Wrexham Council, and was elected leader of Wrexham County Borough Council in 2005 and led the council until he was elected as an Assembly Member for the North Wales Region in 2011.
In the Senedd, he was Lib Dem spokesperson for education, children and young people and for the Welsh language. After serving a term in the Senedd, he conducted an independent review of Local Authorities’ Welsh in Education Strategic Plans for the Welsh Government and chaired the board that was responsible for implementing the recommendations outlined in his review.
He started in his post at Welsh Language Commissioner on 1 April 2019. You can read his interview when he was appointed here.
Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner, Gwenith Price, said: "Aled was a warm character with an extraordinary talent to bring people together.
"His love for his community, and his passion for the growth of the Welsh language in north-east Wales, drove him to want to see change which would benefit the whole nation.
"People were at the centre of everything he did. He had a firm vision for increasing rights for Welsh speakers, and for ensuring justice where he saw unfairness. He wished to see a Wales where every citizen had the opportunity to speak and use the language. His enthusiasm was unmatched, and he continued to work throughout his illness. It was a privilege to work with him.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of his death, and we know that everyone who has worked with him will feel the same.
"Our thoughts today are with his family; with his wife, Llinos, and their sons, Ifan and Osian, his mother and sister. Our deepest condolences to them in their loss."
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "I am shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Aled Roberts today. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I was privileged to work with Aled as both an Assembly Member and during his time as Welsh Language Commissioner.
"He brought a deeply informed view of North Wales to the Senedd and a commitment to the Welsh language which went far beyond party politics.
"During his time as commissioner, he drew directly on his own experience, and that of communities he had represented, to focus on Welsh language as a living language, part of our everyday experience. I am very sorry that his time and his work as commissioner has been cut short in such an untimely way. He will be missed in so many ways."
Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "I am devastated to hear of the passing of Aled. Aled was a committed liberal and was known for his extraordinary hard work as both an Assembly Member for North Wales and as a senior councillor on Wrexham Borough Council. This news is a deep blow to the Welsh Liberal Democrat family and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
"Aled will be most remembered for his dedication to the Welsh language. A tireless advocate of the protection and promotion of Welsh, he excelled in his role as the Welsh Language Commissioner and sought to promote the language in all aspects of life, including in his role as an Assembly Member.
"Aled’s passing will leave a deep hole in Welsh political life and in our party, he was someone who knew everyone and left a positive impression on all those he knew. We will miss him greatly."
Llywydd Elin Jones said: "It’s such sad news to hear of Aled’s death. A cruel blow for his family but also a real loss to Welsh public life. He was a man of principle and full of passion for his language and country. Aled was well-liked and held in high esteem across politics. My condolences to his family"
Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan MS,said: "Aled was hugely respected across the political parties. He was passionate about the Language, and the use of it in our everyday lives, and he will be greatly missed. On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I would like to send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends today, and thank you for his contribution to the nation.”
To get the latest email updates from WalesOnline click here.
