Alun Michael facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alun Michael
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Official portrait, 2020
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| South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner | |
| In office 22 November 2012 – 8 May 2024 |
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| Deputy | Sophie Howe Emma Wools |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Emma Wools |
| Minister of State for Industry and the Regions | |
| In office 10 May 2005 – 5 May 2006 |
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| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | Jacqui Smith |
| Succeeded by | Ian McCartney |
| Minister of State for Rural Affairs | |
| In office 11 June 2001 – 10 May 2005 |
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| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | Nick Raynsford |
| Succeeded by | Jim Knight |
| First Secretary of Wales | |
| In office 12 May 1999 – 9 February 2000 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Rhodri Morgan |
| Leader of Welsh Labour | |
| In office 29 October 1998 – 9 February 2000 |
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| UK party leader | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | Ron Davies |
| Succeeded by | Rhodri Morgan |
| Secretary of State for Wales | |
| In office 27 October 1998 – 28 July 1999 |
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| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | Ron Davies |
| Succeeded by | Paul Murphy |
| Minister of State for Home Affairs | |
| In office 6 May 1997 – 27 October 1998 |
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| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | David Maclean |
| Succeeded by | Paul Boateng |
| Member of the Welsh Assembly for Mid and West Wales |
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| In office 6 May 1999 – 1 May 2000 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Delyth Evans |
| Member of Parliament for Cardiff South and Penarth |
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| In office 11 June 1987 – 22 October 2012 |
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| Preceded by | James Callaghan |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Doughty |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 August 1943 Bryngwran, Anglesey, Wales |
| Political party | Welsh Labour (Labour and Co-operative) |
| Spouse | Mary Sophia Crawley |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents | Betty Michael Leslie Michael |
| Alma mater | Keele University |
| Cabinet | Michael government |
| Signature |  |
| Website | Official website: http://www.southwalescommissioner.org.uk |
Alun Edward Michael (born 22 August 1943) is a retired politician from Wales. He was a member of the Labour and Co-operative political parties. He held important roles like Secretary of State for Wales from 1998 to 1999. He then became the first First Secretary of Wales (now called First Minister) from 1999 to 2000. Later, he served as the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner from 2012 to 2024.
Alun Michael was born on the island of Anglesey. He studied at the University of Keele and worked as a reporter. He also spent many years as a youth and community worker. In 1972, he became a Justice of the Peace, which means he helped make decisions in local courts. He was elected to the UK Parliament in 1987. He took over the seat from former Prime Minister James Callaghan.
Contents
About Alun Michael
Early Life and Education
Alun Michael was born in Bryngwran, Anglesey. His parents were Leslie and Betty Michael. He went to Colwyn Bay Grammar School. From 1962 to 1966, he studied at Keele University. He earned a degree in Philosophy and English.
Working Before Politics
After university, Alun Michael worked as a reporter. He wrote for the South Wales Echo, a newspaper in Cardiff. In 1971, he left journalism. For the next 16 years, he worked as a youth and community worker. This job involved helping young people and local communities. In 1972, he became a Justice of the Peace. He even led the Cardiff Juvenile Bench, which is a court for young people.
His Political Journey
Local Government and Parliament
Alun Michael started his political career in local government. He was a member of the Cardiff City Council from 1973 to 1989. He represented the Rumney and later the Trowbridge areas.
In 1987, he became a Member of Parliament (MP). He won the election for the Cardiff South and Penarth area. This seat was previously held by former Prime Minister James Callaghan. Alun Michael was re-elected several times, serving as an MP until 2012.
Working in the Home Office
When the Labour Party won the election in 1997, Alun Michael became a Minister of State in the Home Office. This department is in charge of policing and security in the UK. He helped create the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. This law introduced Anti-social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). These orders aimed to stop people from behaving in ways that bothered others. The Act also helped local groups work together to reduce crime.
Leading in Wales
In 1998, Alun Michael became the Secretary of State for Wales. This is a UK government role focused on Welsh affairs. A few months later, he was chosen to lead the Welsh Labour Party. This meant he would become the first First Secretary of Wales after the first elections for the new National Assembly for Wales in 1999.
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Premiership of Alun Michael
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| 12 May 1999 – 9 February 2000 | |
| Premier | Alun Michael |
| Cabinet | Michael government |
| Party | Welsh Labour Party |
| Election | 1999 |
| Appointer | Elizabeth II |
| Seat | Tŷ Hywel |
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• Rhodri Morgan →
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He was elected First Secretary on 12 May 1999. He led a minority government, which means his party did not have a majority of seats. After less than a year, he stepped down in February 2000. He did this to avoid a vote of no confidence about funding from the European Union. His role was later renamed First Minister of Wales.
Focus on the Environment
In 2001, Alun Michael became the Minister of State for Rural Affairs. This role was part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). He was involved in creating the Hunting Act 2004. This law banned hunting wild animals like foxes, hares, and deer with dogs in the UK. The ban started in February 2005. He also approved the New Forest becoming a National Park in 2004.
Trade and Business Role
In 2005, Alun Michael moved to a new role. He became a Minister of State in the Department of Trade and Industry. He worked on issues related to industry and different regions of the UK. He held this position for one year before returning to being a regular MP.
Ideas for Voting Age
In 2010, Alun Michael suggested an interesting idea. He proposed lowering the voting age to 14. He believed that young people at this age are well-informed. He thought it would help them learn about voting before they leave school. This idea was more advanced than his party's official policy at the time.
After His Retirement
Alun Michael retired from Parliament in October 2012. He then became the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales. This role involves overseeing the police force in the area. He was elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 and 2021. He decided not to run for re-election in 2024. His deputy, Emma Wools, took over the role in May 2024.
After his retirement from public office, Alun Michael continued his work for good causes. In November 2024, he became a volunteer ambassador for the charity Action for Children.
Awards and Recognition
Alun Michael has received several honors for his public service:
- In 1972, he was made a Justice of the Peace.
- In 2016, he became an Officer of the Order of St John.
- In the 2025 New Year Honours, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This was for his work in public safety.
- He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
See also
- List of Welsh AMs/MSs with the shortest service
Images for kids
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Alun Michael during his time as First Secretary of Wales.
