Efa Gruffudd Jones has resigned as Welsh Language Commissioner.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth confirmed yesterday that he had accepted her resignation for personal reasons.
Gruffudd Jones took up the position in January 2023, having previously led the National Centre for Learning Welsh and the Urdd.
Her original appointment was due to run until January 2030.
Lowri Williams, the Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner, will exercise the Commissioner’s functions while a full public appointments process takes place.
Why it matters: The Commissioner has statutory responsibilities for enforcing Welsh-language standards, investigating complaints and protecting people’s rights to receive services in Welsh.
The departure comes at a significant point for Welsh-language policy, including the expansion of Welsh-medium education and the implementation of new Welsh-language legislation.
The immediate questions concern continuity of regulatory work, the recruitment timetable and the future priorities of the office.
