Perhaps one of the most important local people to get to know is your MP, since he or she is responsible for representing your views and opinions in Parliament. We recently contacted Roger Williams who said he would be “delighted to be included in the Focus feature for Meet the Locals” and gave us an insight into his own background, his work and interests.
Roger Williams MP
Roger Williams was first elected as MP for Brecon and Radnorshire in 2001 but his track record of action for local people extends back long before that. Having been born in the constituency and lived here his whole life, Roger cares passionately about our communities and understands the needs of our unique area. With a wealth of experience in public service, Roger has been a champion for local people and causes for over three decades.
Born in Crickhowell, Roger Williams still lives in the sixteenth century farmhouse near Brecon where he grew up. Having attended Llanfilo County Primary, the school where his mother had previously been a teacher, Roger went on to study his A Levels at Christ College Brecon. In 1969, after graduating with a degree in Natural Sciences from Selwyn College, Cambridge, Roger began a career in livestock farming on the family farm – a career that would run until his election in 2001.
But Roger’s experience in agriculture and rural affairs hasn’t just been restricted to the family farm. During the mid 1980s he was elected Chairman of the Brecon and Radnorshire branch of the National Farmers Union, he became Chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park in 1990 and sat on the Development Board for Rural Wales from 1991-1999. Though no longer responsible for the running of his farm, Roger still retains a keen interest in farming and rural issues.
Roger’s long commitment to public service began in 1981, when he became a County Councillor, firstly for the SDP and later the Liberal Democrats. After two decades serving on Powys County Council, Roger succeeded his Lib Dem colleague Richard Livsey to be elected MP for Brecon and Radnorshire in 2001. He would go on to defeat his Conservative challengers again in 2005 and 2010.
During his time in Parliament, Roger has played a key role in many campaigns on issues affecting our area. He has fought against Post Office closures, opposed high fuel prices and campaigned to protect the retained fire service. Roger has also helped establish compensation rights for ex-opencast miners and surface workers and played an instrumental role in the battle for Ghurkhas’ rights. He has variously held positions including Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Shadow Rural Affairs Spokesman and is currently Deputy Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
Outside politics, Roger enjoys helping out on the farm and spending time with his family. He and his wife Penny have two children, Brychan and Rhian and 3 grandchildren, Theo, Beatrice and Evan. Roger also loves sport, having previously played rugby and cricket, he still enjoys being a spectator when he gets the chance.
Roger is always keen to hear from his constituents, listening to their concerns and helping out with any issues they may have. Please feel free to contact him on either 01874 625739 or williamsr@parliament.uk
