Lord Elis-Thomas, the former leader of Plaid Cymru and Presiding Officer of the Senedd, has died at the age of 78 after a brief illness. He was a significant figure in Welsh politics, serving as an MP for nearly two decades before becoming Wales' first presiding officer in 1999. Independent-minded, he later left Plaid Cymru in 2016, contributing to government as a non-party minister. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully at home, and tributes poured in from political leaders recognizing his contributions to devolution and Welsh civic life.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth stated that Lord Elis-Thomas's death "will be a huge loss to Welsh politics and the civic life of Wales."
Elis-Thomas was remembered as a "groundbreaking MP" and a leader of Plaid Cymru who laid the "firm foundations of devolution" in Wales.
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