Births on January 21

Rosemary Butler, English-Welsh academic and politician

Dame Rosemary Janet Mair Butler (née McGrath; born on 21 January 1943) is a distinguished British politician, primarily recognized for her significant contributions within the Welsh political landscape. A prominent figure representing the Labour Party, she served as the dedicated Member of the Senedd (MS), previously known as an Assembly Member (AM), for the Newport West constituency for an extensive period from the inaugural Senedd elections in 1999 until her retirement from the legislature in 2016.

Her political career in the Senedd began with an impactful, albeit brief, tenure as the Secretary for Education during the initial two years of the nascent Welsh Government. This government was established following the historic devolution referendum of 1997 and the subsequent Government of Wales Act 1998, which marked the formative stages of devolved administration in Wales. In this role, Dame Rosemary played a crucial part in shaping educational policy as significant powers were transferred from Westminster to Cardiff Bay.

Dame Rosemary's influence within the Senedd deepened significantly when she transitioned to key parliamentary roles, focusing on the procedural integrity and democratic functioning of the institution. In May 2007, her colleagues elected her as the Dirprwy Lywydd, serving as the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Senedd. This vital position involves assisting the Presiding Officer in maintaining order during debates, ensuring fair parliamentary procedure, and overseeing certain administrative functions of the Senedd.

Her leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to parliamentary impartiality were further recognized in May 2011 when she was overwhelmingly elected as the Llywydd of the Senedd. As the Llywydd, a prestigious role equivalent to a Speaker in other legislative bodies such as the UK House of Commons, Dame Rosemary Butler became the principal Presiding Officer of the Welsh Parliament. Her extensive responsibilities included chairing all plenary sessions, overseeing the Senedd Commission (which is responsible for the Senedd's administration and corporate services), representing the Senedd at official events both domestically and internationally, and steadfastly upholding the dignity, independence, and impartiality of the institution. During her tenure as Llywydd, she was widely respected for her fair, authoritative, and astute approach to managing complex parliamentary proceedings.

After nearly two decades of dedicated public service within the Welsh Parliament, during which she held the highest office of Llywydd, Dame Rosemary Butler chose not to seek re-election to the Senedd in the 2016 elections, marking her dignified retirement from active legislative politics and allowing a new generation of politicians to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dame Rosemary Butler

Who is Dame Rosemary Butler?

Dame Rosemary Janet Mair Butler is a distinguished British Labour politician who notably served as a Member of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) for Newport West from 1999 to 2016 and held the esteemed position of Llywydd (Presiding Officer) of the Senedd from 2011 to 2016.

What is the Senedd?

The Senedd, formally known as the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), is the devolved legislative body of Wales. It has the power to make laws for Wales and hold the Welsh Government to account, having been established in 1999 as the National Assembly for Wales before its name change in 2020.

What key roles did Dame Rosemary Butler hold in the Senedd?

Dame Rosemary Butler held several significant roles in the Senedd. She briefly served as Secretary for Education in the early Welsh Government (1999-2001). Later, she was elected as Dirprwy Lywydd (Deputy Presiding Officer) in May 2007, and subsequently as the Llywydd (Presiding Officer) of the Senedd in May 2011, a position she held until her retirement in 2016.

When did Dame Rosemary Butler retire from the Senedd?

Dame Rosemary Butler chose not to stand for re-election in the 2016 Senedd elections, thereby retiring from her role as a Member and as the Llywydd of the Welsh Parliament.