Alan Williams (Swansea West MP)

Alan John Williams (14 October 1930 – 21 December 2017) was a Welsh Labour politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Swansea West from 1964 to 2010. He was one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament in British history, sitting in the House of Commons for over 45 years.

Williams was educated at Cardiff High School and University College, Oxford. Before entering Parliament, he worked as a journalist and broadcaster.

During his long parliamentary career, Williams held several ministerial positions, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Technology (1969-1970), Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Industry (1974-1975), and Minister of State for Industry (1975-1979). As Minister of State for Industry, he played a role in supporting British manufacturing and industry during a period of economic difficulty.

Throughout his time as the Swansea West MP, Williams was a strong advocate for his constituency, focusing on issues such as employment, infrastructure, and local services. He was known for his dedication to his constituents and his willingness to engage with local concerns. He remained a backbencher after Labour lost the 1979 general election.

Williams retired from Parliament at the 2010 general election. He was a Privy Councillor.