First Minister Eluned Morgan led tributes at a special event at Llanelly House marking the 50th anniversary of Griffiths’ death, describing him as a “forgotten hero” whose values still resonate today.
Griffiths, a former collier from Betws, became Wales’ first Secretary of State and was instrumental in the creation of Family Allowance and the wider welfare system that supported millions across post-war Britain.
“He may be gone,” the First Minister told the audience, “but what he stood for, what he fought for, what he achieved, is as alive today as it ever was.”
She said Griffiths would be “frustrated” by the persistence of child poverty, homelessness, and the housing crisis in modern Britain, but praised his enduring influence on Labour’s values of solidarity, equality, community and hope.
“The boy from Betws who went down the pit and came up fighting would be proud of what we’ve achieved. But he’d also challenge us to do more. To be better. To never give up the fight for a fairer, more equal Wales.”
The event was attended by Llanelli MP Nia Griffith, Labour councillors, and party members, with many calling for a more prominent memorial to Griffiths in his home communities of Llanelli and Ammanford.
Calls for a lasting tribute
Deputy Mayor of Ammanford Calum Higgins said Griffiths’ contribution deserved recognition on the same scale as Gwynfor Evans in Carmarthen.
“Ammanford and Llanelli were once linked as a constituency and shared Jim Griffiths as their MP. He came from the working community of Ammanford and Betws, and represented his people at a national level. We haven’t given him the profile we should have.”
Llanelli town councillor Shaun Greaney described Griffiths as “undoubtedly a forgotten hero”:
“Everyone knows Nye Bevan founded the NHS, but few know the story of Jim Griffiths. A mural declaring Llanelli the cradle of devolution would be a fitting tribute.”
County councillor Janet Williams, who helped organise the event and install the plaque at Llanelli Library, said:
“Jim was a progressive politician and played a major role in bringing the Trostre tinplate works to Llanelli. He was a man of principle, and a man of the people.”
While funding for a larger memorial may be challenging, councillors say grant support could help realise a tribute that reflects Griffiths’ national impact and deep local roots.
