Mourners pay tribute to ‘true patriot’ Welsh leader Morgan

Former Welsh first minister Rhodri Morgan was a “true patriot” and a “remarkable Welshman”, mourners have been told at his funeral.

Family, friends and colleagues shared memories of the 77-year-old, who died on 17 May after collapsing while cycling near Cardiff, during a ceremony celebrating his life and work, which was held at the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay yesterday.

Mr Morgan, who spent 0 Father of the nation: Tributes to Rhodri Morgan more than 30 years in politics and led the country as first minister for almost ten years from 2000, was described as the father of devolution and the father of Wales by a number of those who spoke at the public event.

There was silence among the hundreds standing on the steps of the Senedd, who had arrived too late to get one of the 360 places inside, as the hearse carrying Mr Morgan’s Welsh flag-draped coffin arrived.

Touching tributes included the first song, Calon Lan, a Welsh hymn, which was led by Mr Morgan’s grandson Efan.

Former MP Paul Murphy, who was elected to Westminster alongside Mr Morgan in 1987, said his friend of nearly four decades was “a true Welsh patriot”.