Peter Rogers, a former Assembly Member for north Wales, has died at the age of 85. Mr Rogers was elected in 1999 as a Conservative AM and served until 2003.
In that time he represented the party on agriculture issues. He lost his seat in 2003 and the in February 2005 he announced he would run as an independent candidate for Ynys Môn at the 2005 general election and resigned from the Conservative party. He came third in that election. Two years later, at a Senedd election, he came second and stood again in 2010 for the Westminster general election but came fifth.
Born in Wrexham, his BBC biography published on his election in September 1999 describes how he was a leading rugby player for Cardiff and Bridgend. He worked as a farm manager in Shropshire for many years before becoming an agrochemical salesman and later a farm owner in Anglesey where he became vice President of the Ynys Mon Conservative Association. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
Darren Millar MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “I am 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.”