Claire Cottrill

Claire Cottrill is a Welsh politician and businesswoman who has been First Minister of Wales since 1997. She is the first First Minister to come from Plaid Cymru

Background

Born in Dolgellau in 1971 and raised in a Welsh-speaking working-class family, Cottrill grew up hearing stories of the hardships faced by quarry workers, miners, and rural communities across North Wales, where industry had long shaped local life and identity.

Political career

Cottrill was elected leader of Plaid Cymru in a shock result in 1994. The bigger shock was her election by the people of Wales as First Minister in 1995, an office she has held since. Under her leadership, Plaid have commanded two dominant majorities in the Senedd and, as of the last General Election, holds the most seats in the House of Commons in its history.

Under Cottrill, Wales has pursued a position unique to the UK government, most notably resisting cuts to healthcare and social welfare from central government through Senedd legislation.

Positions

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