Ahead of the Senedd election in 2026, John Griffiths MS, has announced that he will not be seeking re-election.
Following this announcement, and as #CollegesWeek2025 draws to a close, this is a fitting moment for ColegauCymru to recognise and thank the Senedd Member for Newport East for his services to education in both the Senedd and Welsh Government.
John laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to the education sector at the start of his career and before entering politics - as a lecturer in FE and HE. Following a period as a solicitor, John was first elected to the National Assembly for Wales (now the Senedd) in 1999 and has represented the constituents of the Newport East area for the past 26 years. He is one of only four current Senedd members who have served continuously since being first elected in 1999.
ColegauCymru is delighted to have worked with John and his team across many years, helping to build a stronger FE sector. John has acted as a passionate advocate for colleges, including in his current role chairing the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group for FE and Skills, and previously as the Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Education. He has been an advocate for colleges and their vital role in supporting communities, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of Wales.
ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk, said,
“For two and a half decades John has used his voice to advocate for further education and in particular for adult learners. His commitment was never cosmetic but always rooted in his own experience as an adult learner and on the transformative impact that further education had on his own life.
We are incredibly grateful to John for his unwavering support and dedication to the further education sector. When he steps down in 2026, the sector and the Senedd will lose an authentic and powerful champion for the colleges, skills and adult education. We wish John the very best for the future but look forward to continuing to work with him over the next 12 months.”
Further Information
Senedd Cymru
John Griffiths MS
