Former North Wales Senedd member Peter Rogers has died after a short illness, aged 85. The Anglesey farmer was an ex-professional rugby player whose combatative approach was continued into his political career.
He was one of the first 60 politicians elected in 1999 to the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay, now known as the Senedd (Welsh Parliament). Mr Rogers served one term, representing North Wales until 2003 after being effectively being deselected by the Conservative Party.
After being cared for by wife Margaret, 86, at their Brynsiencyn home on Anglesey, he was admitted to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, on the evening of his 85th birthday on January 2. He died at the hospital four days later on Monday, January 6. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter – sent every Friday.
The couple had two sons – Richard, who took over the family farming business – and Simon, a barrister. Richard recalled of his father: “In the Assembly chamber he was once described as a bull in a china shop. I think he was quietly proud of the description as he loved a battle – he would never back down.”
Born in Wrexham, Mr Rogers studied agriculture before going on to play rugby for Cardiff and Bridgend. A contemporary was Wales rugby legend JPR Williams, who Mr Rogers once labelled his all-time hero.
He was elected to the Assembly in 1999, leading the Welsh Conservative response to the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis. As his farms were in Anglesey’s initial disease exclusion zone, he went through the trauma of seeing his own cattle being culled. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Despite being an effective advocate on rural issues, Mr Rogers skirted with controversy and was placed only seventh on the Conservative list of candidates for the North Wales regional seat at the 2003 Assembly elections. Despite winning an increase share of the vote, he failed to secure a seat. At the time he said he was “shell-shocked and wounded” by the decision and fell out with his party.
Richard Rogers was backed by his father to convert the family’s farms, going on to become a UK Grassland Farmer of the Year
(Image: British Grassland Society)
In 2005 he contested the UK general election as an independent parliamentary candidate for Ynys Môn, coming third ahead of the Conservative candidate. He also contested the 2007 Senedd election, and again at the 2010 UK general election, standing as an independent after refusing an approach from UKIP.
Mr Rogers also served as a councillor on the island’s council between 2004 and 2022, having handed over the farming reins to son Richard. In 2015 Richard began converting the old beef and sheep operation into dairy production and now runs three dairy herds on each of the family’s three farms on the island, producing milk from around 900 spring calving cows.
“My father was very supportive of the various ventures I undertook,” said Richard. “I think he was quiet brave in allowing me to develop the farm, and quite proud of what we have managed to achieve.”
Tory Senedd leader Darren Millar said he was “deeply saddened” to hear about Mr Rogers’ death. He said: “Peter was a passionate advocate for rural Wales and a steadfast champion for the countryside and our farming communities.
“He will be sorely missed by those who knew him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.” Funeral details have yet to be confirmed.
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