Huw Irranca-Davies, Welsh lawyer and politician

Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies: A Profile in Welsh Politics and Public Service

Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies (born Ifor Huw Davies on 22 January 1963) is a prominent Welsh Labour and Co-operative politician, widely recognized for his extensive career spanning both the UK Parliament and the devolved Welsh Senedd. His political journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to public service, particularly in representing the constituency of Ogmore.

Early Life and Political Foundation

Born in Bridgend, Wales, Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies's formative years laid the groundwork for his future in public life. Prior to entering politics, he pursued higher education, graduating from Swansea University before embarking on a career as a lecturer, which included roles at both Swansea University and the University of the West of England. This academic background equipped him with a deep understanding of policy and public administration, which would prove invaluable in his subsequent parliamentary and governmental roles.

From Westminster to the Senedd: A Career in Public Service

Irranca-Davies's political career began in the UK Parliament, where he served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ogmore constituency from 2002 until 2016. This period allowed him to gain significant experience at the heart of national governance. Following a distinguished tenure in Westminster, he transitioned to Welsh politics, successfully seeking election as the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Ogmore in 2016. This move underscored his dedication to directly influencing policy within Wales's devolved political landscape, ensuring his constituency continued to benefit from his long-standing experience.

Key Roles in the UK Parliament

During his time as an MP, Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies held several crucial roles, demonstrating his progression through the parliamentary ranks:

• Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS): He served as a PPS in multiple departments, including the Northern Ireland Office, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). A PPS acts as an unpaid assistant to a minister, providing a vital link between the minister and backbench Members of Parliament and often assisting with parliamentary duties, offering valuable insight into ministerial operations.

• Assistant Whip: In May 2006, he was appointed an Assistant Whip. Whips play a critical role in maintaining party discipline, ensuring members vote according to party policy, and managing parliamentary business.

• Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales: On 29 June 2007, Irranca-Davies was appointed to this significant ministerial position, where he played a key role in representing Welsh interests within the UK Government and overseeing policy matters directly affecting Wales.

• Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): He was subsequently promoted to a ministerial role within DEFRA, a department responsible for government policies on environmental protection, food and farming, and rural communities across the UK. This portfolio highlighted his engagement with critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Representing Ogmore in the Senedd

In a strategic move to focus on Welsh affairs, Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies resigned his seat in the UK Parliament in March 2016. This decision allowed him to contest the Ogmore constituency in the Welsh Senedd elections, which he successfully won in May 2016. His continued representation of Ogmore, first as an MP and then as an MS, reflects his deep roots and commitment to the region's constituents and their concerns within the devolved Welsh Parliament.

Ministerial Responsibilities in the Welsh Government

His valuable experience and political acumen led to his appointment as Minister for Children and Social Care in the Welsh Government on 3 November 2017. In this critical ministerial portfolio, Irranca-Davies has been responsible for shaping and implementing policies related to child welfare, social services, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and promoting well-being across Wales. This role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities aimed at improving the lives of children and families, as well as overseeing the provision of care services throughout the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies

What is Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies's current political role?

Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies currently serves as the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Ogmore, a position he has held since 2016.

When did Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies first become an MP?

He first became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Ogmore in 2002, serving in the UK Parliament until 2016.

Why did Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies move from Westminster to the Senedd?

He resigned his MP seat in March 2016 to stand for election to the Welsh Senedd, signifying a strategic decision to focus his efforts on devolved Welsh political matters and directly represent his Ogmore constituents within the Welsh Parliament.

What key ministerial positions has Ifor Huw Irranca-Davies held?

In the UK Parliament, he served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). In the Welsh Government, he was appointed Minister for Children and Social Care.