First Minister leads tribute to Llanelli MP Jim Griffiths, father of the Welfare State

First Minister Eluned Morgan led tributes at a special event at Llanelly House marking the 50th anniversary of Griffiths’ death, describing him as a “forgotten hero” whose values still resonate today.

Griffiths, a former collier from Betws, became Wales’ first Secretary of State and was instrumental in the creation of Family Allowance and the wider welfare system that supported millions across post-war Britain.

“He may be gone,” the First Minister told the audience, “but what he stood for, what he fought for, what he achieved, is as alive today as it ever was.”

She said Griffiths would be “frustrated” by the persistence of child poverty, homelessness, and the housing crisis in modern Britain, but praised his enduring influence on Labour’s values of solidarity, equality, community and hope.

“The boy from Betws who went down the pit and came up fighting would be proud of what we’ve achieved. But he’d also challenge us to do more. To be better. To never give up the fight for a fairer, more equal Wales.”

The event was attended by Llanelli MP Nia Griffith, Labour councillors, and party members, with many calling for a more prominent memorial to Griffiths in his home communities of Llanelli and Ammanford.

Who was Jim Griffiths?

• Born: 1890, Betws, Ammanford
• Background: Began work as a coal miner before becoming active in the trade union movement.
• Political career: Elected Labour MP for Llanelli in 1936, serving until 1970.
• Father of the Welfare State: As Minister for National Insurance in Clement Attlee’s post‑war government, he introduced the Family Allowance and laid the foundations of Britain’s social security system.
• First Secretary of State for Wales: Appointed in 1964, he established the Welsh Office and became a key advocate for devolution.
• Local legacy: Instrumental in bringing the Trostre tinplate works to Llanelli, boosting jobs and industry.
• Died: 1975, aged 85.

Griffiths is remembered as a man of principle who rose from the coalface to Cabinet, shaping modern Britain while never losing touch with his community roots.

Calls for a lasting tribute

Deputy Mayor of Ammanford Calum Higgins said Griffiths’ contribution deserved recognition on the same scale as Gwynfor Evans in Carmarthen.

“Ammanford and Llanelli were once linked as a constituency and shared Jim Griffiths as their MP. He came from the working community of Ammanford and Betws, and represented his people at a national level. We haven’t given him the profile we should have.”

Llanelli town councillor Shaun Greaney described Griffiths as “undoubtedly a forgotten hero”:

“Everyone knows Nye Bevan founded the NHS, but few know the story of Jim Griffiths. A mural declaring Llanelli the cradle of devolution would be a fitting tribute.”

County councillor Janet Williams, who helped organise the event and install the plaque at Llanelli Library, said:

“Jim was a progressive politician and played a major role in bringing the Trostre tinplate works to Llanelli. He was a man of principle, and a man of the people.”

While funding for a larger memorial may be challenging, councillors say grant support could help realise a tribute that reflects Griffiths’ national impact and deep local roots.

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Naming row erupts over new community centre in Llanelli’s Penyfan area

The Bigyn Community Centre, located at Penyfan Park, was officially unveiled by Llanelli Town Council earlier this summer. The facility, described as a much-needed hub for meetings, parties and educational activities, was praised by council leaders and community figures for its potential to strengthen social cohesion.

Council leader Cllr David Darkin said he was “absolutely delighted” the centre was now open, thanking the Welsh Government and project partners for their support. “The project demonstrates the determination of the Labour administration to provide the best possible facilities for the residents of the town,” he said.

Fellow Labour councillors Phil Warlow and Janet Williams echoed the sentiment, highlighting the centre’s role in supporting local initiatives and providing a welcoming space for residents. Community activist Neville Gilasbey, who stood for Labour in the recent Bigyn ward by-election, also welcomed the completion of the hall and changing rooms, calling it a fulfilled promise.

However, controversy has emerged over the decision to name the facility the Bigyn Community Centre, with some Penyfan residents arguing that the name does not reflect the centre’s true location or identity.

At a full council meeting on Wednesday 2 July, Independent councillors Michael Cranham and Alan Cameron Williams proposed a motion calling for a public consultation on renaming the centre. They cited a petition from local residents requesting the name be changed to Penllwyn Community Centre, which they said better represents the communities of Penyfan and Llwynwhilwg.

The motion was defeated by 10 votes to 8, with Labour councillors—including those representing Bigyn ward—voting against the consultation.

Cllr Cranham said: “It is disappointing that again the Labour-led Town Council is not listening to what the community of Penyfan are saying. Residents feel the use of ‘Penllwyn’ better reflects the area. Changing the name at this early stage would cost the council nothing.”

Cllr Williams added that the issue had come up repeatedly during his by-election campaign, saying: “Everyone welcomes this new facility, but many residents feel they have not had their say.”

Penyfan resident Lisa Francis also criticised the council’s stance, questioning why the name had not been subject to public opinion. “Does our view—those who live in the area—not matter?” she asked.

Responding to the criticism, Cllr Darkin defended the council’s decision, stating that the name was “proposed and unanimously supported” by all members, including those now opposing it. He said the centre’s development had been publicly discussed for some time, with no objections raised during planning.

“The name ‘Bigyn Community Centre’ was chosen to reflect the centre’s role in serving the entire Bigyn Ward, including Penyfan,” he said. “It is not intended to exclude any part of the community but rather to unify and represent the ward as a whole.”

Cllr Darkin also noted that the petition contained around 70 signatures—representing a small fraction of the ward’s 4,500 residents—and warned that changing the name could cause confusion and administrative issues.

Despite the disagreement, the council says it remains committed to engaging with all parts of the community and welcomes ongoing dialogue about how the centre can best serve local needs.

#AlanCameronWilliams #Bigyn #BigynCommunityCentre #DavidDarkin #JanetWilliams #Llanelli #LlanelliTownCouncil #MichaelCranham #Penyfan #PhilWarlow