Tributes paid after death of veteran MP Denzil Davies

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Llanelli MP Denzil Davies who died a day after his 80th birthday.

The long-serving MP, pictured, who died on Wednesday, spent 35 years in the House of Commons following his election in 1970 until his retirement in 2005.

Mr Davies, from Cynywl Elfed, Carmarthenshire, was a Treasury minister under James Callaghan’s Labour government in the 1970s.

BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards tweeted: “Sad to hear that Denzil Davies – a good friend over many years – has died. His towering intellect and forensic legal ability terrified opponents. He never served in a Labour cabinet while far less able people did. He was a true Welsh patriot and a true friend of Llanelli.”

Llanelli AM Lee Waters said on Twitter: “As Treasury Minister in the Callaghan Government played a key role in setting up the WDA. A brilliant man who made a big contribution.”

Former South Wales Guardian editor Shaun Greaney added: “I had the privilege of campaigning with Denzil for a level-crossing barrier at the notorious and dangerous Tirydail rail crossing in Ammanford in the early ’90s.

“He was a passionate Labour man and the rail barrier at Tirydail, which was won against fierce opposition from British Rail, but with the support of a 30,000-plus signature petition, won the day.

“I am convinced, as are many in Ammanford, that it has saved lives. Denzil was a great champion for his community.”