PEOPLE are being invited to pay their own personal tributes to former First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan, who has died aged 77.

A book of condolence has been opened by the National Assembly for Wales at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay and the Assembly’s office in Colwyn Bay.

Mr Morgan became a Member of Parliament in 1987 and an AM when the Assembly first started in 1999.

He was First Minister of Wales between 2000 and 2009 before stepping down from the Assembly in 2011.

As a mark of respect, all flags across the Assembly estate are flying at half-mast.

Assembly Members, staff and visitors will observe a minute silence in the Senedd.

Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales, Elin Jones AM, said:

“I am very saddened to hear of the death of Rhodri Morgan, and on behalf of the members and staff at the National Assembly for Wales, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Julie and the family.

“As First Minister of Wales, Rhodri’s contribution in helping build our nation and its young democracy was immeasurable. His popularity among the people of Wales and his determination to anchor the institution firmly in the national psyche accelerated the acceptance of devolution and nurtured pride in our new institution.

“During cabinet meetings, I remember how he skilfully steered policy discussions in such a way that decisions were always considered not only through the prism of how they would be perceived in the Senedd, but also by how they would be perceived in the village hall or at the supermarket checkout.

“Rhodri’s ability to communicate with, and to understand, the diverse communities of Wales ultimately won hearts and minds, and was critical in giving the people of Wales the confidence to strengthen and develop the National Assembly.

“We will always be grateful to Rhodri Morgan for his leadership and he will be remembered as a giant of Welsh politics.”