Baroness Jenny Randerson, a former Welsh minister, has passed away at 76, leaving a legacy of public service and dedication to her community
Cardiff: It’s a sad day for Welsh politics. Baroness Jenny Randerson has passed away at the age of 76. She was a well-respected figure in the Welsh Government.
Jenny served as the minister for culture, sport, and the Welsh language from 2000 to 2003. She was part of the coalition government with Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
She was first elected to the National Assembly for Wales in 1999, representing Cardiff Central. Jenny held that position for 12 years, making a real impact during her time.
In 2011, she joined the House of Lords and took on junior ministerial roles in the UK coalition government. Her contributions were significant and will be remembered.
The Liberal Democrats announced her passing, and Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds expressed her sadness, highlighting Jenny’s dedication to serving the people of Cardiff and Wales.
Jane mentioned how Jenny’s work, like free entry to national museums and the Wales Millennium Centre, left a lasting mark on society.
David Chadwick MP also shared his thoughts, calling her a titan of Welsh politics. He emphasized how much she will be missed by everyone in the party.
Jo Stevens, the Secretary of State for Wales, also offered condolences, reflecting on the impact Jenny had on her community and colleagues.
Before her political career, Jenny was a secondary school teacher in Cardiff. She was also a councillor from 1983 to 2000, leading the council’s opposition for four years.
When Rhodri Morgan became the first minister, Jenny joined the cabinet, becoming the first female Lib Dem minister in the UK. She was a trailblazer in many ways.
During her time, she introduced important initiatives like Creative Future and Iaith Pawb, promoting culture and the Welsh language.
After moving to the House of Lords, she became the first female Welsh Liberal Democrat to hold a ministerial office at Westminster.
Outside of politics, Jenny was committed to education and the Welsh community, serving as chancellor of Cardiff University since 2019.
She was also a patron of several charities, showing her dedication to various causes. Jenny leaves behind her husband, Peter, two children, and three grandchildren.
