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Former Conservative AM Peter Rogers dies

BBC Peter Rogers wearing a stripy blue and white shirt and a dark tie, with a field of grass in the background and a tree to the left.BBC
Peter Rogers, pictured in 2017, was one of the first 60 people elected to the National Assembly

The former Welsh Conservative assembly member Peter Rogers has died, aged 85.

Rogers was one of the first 60 politicians elected in 1999 to the Cardiff Bay institution, now known as the Welsh Parliament.

The farmer served one term, representing the region of North Wales until 2003, after effectively being deselected by Conservative Party.

Tory Senedd leader Darren Millar said he was a "passionate advocate for rural Wales and a steadfast champion for the countryside and our farming communities".

Rogers died in hospital at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, shortly after his 85th birthday last week.

He was elected in 1999, but fell out with his party after being placed seventh on the Conservative list of candidates for the north Wales regional seat at the following election, in 2003.

He said at the time he had been "shell-shocked and wounded" when the list appeared and that "the party have cast me aside".

Rogers later stood as an independent candidate for Ynys Môn in the general election of 2005 and the 2007 Senedd election, and also served as a councillor on the island's council between 2004 and 2022.

Millar said he was "deeply saddened to hear about Peter Rogers' passing".

"Peter was a passionate advocate for rural Wales and a steadfast champion for the countryside and our farming communities.

"He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to his friends and family during this difficult time."

Senedd Cymru A tight head and shoulders image of Peter Rogers smiling taken in 1999, when he joined the Welsh AssemblySenedd Cymru
Peter Rogers became one of the first North Wales regional assembly members in 1999

Speaking later in the Senedd, Millar called him an "incredible character in Welsh politics".

"He loved a good tirade against a Labour minister – there are many colourful phrases on the record of proceedings as a result of that," he said. "But he was a formidable operator."

First Minister Eluned Morgan said Rogers, alongside Baroness Randerson whose death was announced at the weekend, "was one of the originals in this chamber elected in 1999".

Plaid Cymru leader and Ynys Môn Senedd member Rhun ap Iorwerth called Rogers "one of the unique characters and political figures" and a "very plain speaker".

"We disagreed on almost everything politically, but I came to know him very well," he said.

He said he would remember him for his commitment to his local community.