Welsh Thatcherite MP Delwyn Williams Dies at 85

Delwyn Williams, a former Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire and prominent Welsh solicitor, has passed away at the age of 85. Known for his vibrant presence in the House of Commons and staunch Thatcherite views, Williams served a single term from 1979 to 1983, breaking a century-long Liberal hold on the constituency.

Born on November 1, 1938, Williams began his political career in 1968 as the youngest member of Montgomeryshire County Council. He first ran for Parliament in 1970, but it wasn't until 1979 that he successfully captured the seat, coinciding with Margaret Thatcher's rise to power.

Williams gained notoriety for his opposition to Welsh language extremism. He supported increased Welsh language broadcasting but opposed a dedicated Welsh-language television channel, fearing it would increase license fees. When S4C was eventually approved in 1980, Williams criticized the decision, stating the government had "yielded to pressure."

His outspoken nature led to security concerns, with Williams fortifying his home and receiving police protection due to threats from language activists. Despite representing a predominantly English-speaking constituency, Williams attempted to bridge the language divide, albeit with mixed results.

In Parliament, Williams was known for his florid speaking style, prompting then-Speaker George Thomas to comment on the "air of Montgomeryshire." He co-founded the "Fox cubs," a group of classless Conservatives concerned about the party's direction under Thatcher.

"Montgomeryshire is not just a bunch of Druids."

Williams' legal background and country pursuits shaped his political approach. He maintained his solicitor practice while serving as an MP, a decision that drew some criticism. His interests extended to horse racing and golf, and he was known for his pranks and unconventional office habits in Westminster.

After losing his seat in 1983 to Liberal Alex Carlile, Williams returned to his legal career full-time. He remained politically active, standing as an independent in a 2007 council by-election and supporting UKIP in 2015. In 2016, he vocally opposed proposals to partition Montgomeryshire, advocating instead for its merger with the neighboring Brecon and Radnorshire constituency.

Williams' political career spanned significant changes in Welsh politics, from the Winter of Discontent to the establishment of the Welsh Assembly (now Senedd) in 1999. His tenure as MP coincided with major events such as the Falklands War and the formation of the SDP-Liberal Alliance.

Delwyn Williams is survived by his wife Olive, whom he married in 1963, and their two children. His legacy as a colorful and controversial figure in Welsh Conservative politics will be remembered, particularly in Montgomeryshire, a constituency with a rich political history dating back to 1542.