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.”

Councillor Janet Williams and First Minister Eluned Morgan at the Jim Griffiths memorial event in Llanelli

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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