Tribute to Lord Morris of Aberavon

Dr Ben Calvert, Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Wales, has paid tribute to Lord John Morris, who has died aged 91.

A former Cabinet minister and Welsh Labour MP, Lord Morris of Aberavon was Chancellor of the University of Glamorgan between 2001 and 2013. The University of South Wales was formed in 2013 with the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.

In 2014 Lord Morris was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of South Wales for his contribution to the history of the University and to Welsh politics.

During his political career, Lord Morris represented Aberavon as its Labour MP from 1959 and was the longest serving Welsh MP until 2001. He held numerous Ministerial Roles, including Attorney General and Welsh Secretary, in successive Governments. He was raised to the peerage for life as Baron Morris of Aberavon and of Ceredigion in 2001, was made Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed a year later, and was appointed to the Order of the Garter as a Knight Companion (KG) in 2003.

Paying tribute to Lord Morris, Dr Calvert said: “I’m sure I speak for everyone at the University of South Wales when communicating the sadness we felt on hearing of the passing of Lord Morris.

“As many others have said, he was a giant of Welsh politics and fought strongly for his principles – a trait which was recognised by a number of UK Prime Ministers who benefited from his wise counsel.

“Lord Morris was a great friend and advocate of the University. The support Lord Morris offered as Chancellor will always be remembered by those who came in to contact with him.

“We offer our sincerest condolences to Lady Morris, his family and friends at this sad time.”