Tributes have been paid to Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, who has died at the age of 78.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas was the former leader of Plaid Cymru and served as the Presiding Officer of the Senedd. He led Plaid Cymru from 1984 to 1991 and was the Member of Parliament for Meirionydd and later for Meirionydd Nant Conwy from 1974 to 1992, when he was appointed to the House of Lords.

He was the first Presiding Officer, or Speaker, of the new Welsh Assembly when it opened in 1999.

Lord Elis-Thomas’s death was announced by his family in a statement on Friday morning.

Following the sad news of the passing of former leader of Plaid Cymru Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said, “Dafydd’s passing will be a huge loss to Welsh politics and the civic life of Wales.

“He was unquestionably one of the most influential figures of his generation, and as the Presiding Officer of the First Assembly made a priceless contribution in laying the firm foundations of devolution.

“We remember Dafydd as a groundbreaking MP when he became the youngest Member of the 1974 UK Parliament before leading Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction.

“Dafydd was a personal friend to my family and I, and was an influential figure during my formative years.

“His love for our nation, its language and culture was unwavering.

“On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I extend our sincerest condolences to Dafydd’s family.

The Chair and Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd have paid tribute to the late Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, who represented the constituents of Meirionnydd at Westminster, and also the constituents of Dwyfor and Meirionnydd at the National Assembly for Wales and the Senedd for 40 years. 

Councillor Beca Roberts, Chair of Cyngor Gwynedd, said: “We have been saddened to hear of the passing of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas. He served his area loyally for decades and made a huge contribution not only to Meirionnydd and Dwyfor, but also to Wales as a nation. 

“He will be well remembered here at Cyngor Gwynedd as someone who worked tirelessly for his area and for Wales. 

“As a Council, we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.” 

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, said:   “I was deeply sorry to hear the sad news about Dafydd Êl’s passing, and I’m think of his family in their grief. 

“Dafydd’s contribution to the nation and our language is immeasurable. He was a devout Welshman and a giant of politics. The legacy of his vision and his work can be seen all around us. If it weren’t for Dafydd, Wales wouldn’t be the nation it is today. 

“On a personal note, I knew Dafydd since I worked at Westminster in 1998. It was a privilege to know him and his exceptional contribution to Wales has been an inspiration.”

The First Minister Eluned Morgan joined tributes, saying “It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas.

“Wales has lost one of its greatest servants, and many of us have lost an irreplaceable friend.

“My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

“Dafydd was a true giant of Welsh politics and a passionate champion of our nation, our language, and our culture.

“From his groundbreaking role as the first Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales to his service in both Houses of Parliament, he helped shape the Wales we know today.

“On a personal level, Dafydd was an inspiration to me from my earliest days in politics.

“I had the privilege of working alongside him in the House of Lords, the Senedd and Welsh Government, where his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Wales were extraordinary.

“Our nation is immeasurably richer for his lifetime of service, and his vision of a proud, confident, and culturally vibrant Wales will continue to inspire genrations to come.”

Mary Gillie, Chair, Bangor Aberconwy Labour Party, said: “We are all grateful to Dafydd for his championing and representing his local area, some of which is now part of our constituency.

“He played a huge part in the establishment of the Senedd and his ability to work across parties for the good of everyone in our communities is an example to us all. 

“As well as Dafydd’s contribution to politics, he leaves a huge legacy in his support for the Welsh language and culture. A legacy that will be enduring.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”