Introduction
John Griffiths AM (born 19 December 1956) is a Welsh Labour Co-operative politician and the Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development. Born in Newport, Monmouthshire, Griffiths has represented the constituency of Newport East since the National Assembly for Wales was established in 1999.
Education
Studied law as a mature student at the University of Wales.
Professional career
Before his election to the National Assembly of Wales, he was a practising solicitor (criminal law, personal injury and general civil litigation).
Political career
Former councillor on Gwent County Council and Newport CBC. Member of Labour's National Policy Forum, Co-operative Party, Workers' Educational Association & Full Employment Forum. Committed republican. Member of the ISTC trade union. Member of the National Assembly of Wales for Newport East since 1999.
Griffiths' political interests include economic development, social inclusion, education and Europe.
In the National Assembly for Wales he was appointed Deputy Minister for Health and Social Care (Older People) from May 2003 until May 2007. In the Third Assembly was appointed Deputy Minister for Education, Culture and the Welsh Language (31 May 2007) and retained that position when the coalition government of Plaid Cymru and Labour was announced on 19 July. John supported Carwyn Jones in the Welsh Labour leadership contest in 2009. He was appointed Counsel General and Leader of the Legislative Programme in the Welsh Assembly in December 2009, a job previously done by First Minister Carwyn Jones.