Chirk AAA Football Club

Ken was born in 1976 at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and is one of five boys to parents Mary and Ken Snr.

He went to local comprehensive schools Ysgol y Waun and the Alun School, Mold, where he studied A-levels in Physics, Maths, English and Politics. After achieving four A grades, Ken went to Cambridge University to study social and political science, specialising in European regional policy and economics.

After graduating, Ken took time out in America before joining the Leader newspaper in his native North Wales. He studied for his NVQ in Journalism at Yale College in Wrexham (now Coleg Cambria) and also did freelance work for the Daily Express.

Ken has also served as office manager for Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami and was a community councillor in Pantymwyn, near Mold.

In May 2011, Ken was elected to the National Assembly with 42.4% of the vote in Clwyd South. His keen interests include enhancing the identity and tourism potential of Clwyd South, as well as improving mental health care and physical fitness. He is also determined to improve job and training prospects for young people, as well as protect crucial services for the vulnerable.

Having learnt Welsh at school until the age of 16, Ken remains a keen learner and is also a passionate supporter of the arts in Wales. He is a vice-president of Rhos Male Voice Choir and Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and sponsors a host of local organisations including Brymbo, Chirk and Penycae football clubs.

In 2016, Ken was re-elected as AM for Clwyd South with an increased majority. After previously serving as Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology and Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, he is now the Welsh Government’s Minister for Economy and Transport.