Ryder was born in Sunderland.[1] A former teacher and youth worker, she was involved with voluntary and community work in her home town of Ruthin.
In 2010 she became a member of the executive board of the Wales Rugby League and has been one of its patrons since 2006.[2]
She was formerly the Chair of Canolfan Awelon Management Committee and was also a former director on the board of Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council.[3]
Political career
Ryder has served as Mayor of Ruthin, on the Denbighshire County Council from 1995 to 1999, and on the Plaid Cymru National Executive, where she was formerly Shadow Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning.
During the First Assembly (1999–2003), she was the Shadow Minister for Local Government and Communities and in 2002 she was given additional responsibility for Finance. She was re-elected in May 2003 to serve in the Second Assembly (2003–2007) and was one of twelve members of the Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales group. Following a Shadow Cabinet reshuffle in November 2003 she became the Shadow Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning. In April 2006, in line with changes made by the Assembly Government this portfolio changed to Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills. Her portfolio included responsibilities for schools, further education and skills development, higher education, the youth service and the careers service.
During the Third Assembly (2007–2011) she resigned that post (June 2008) and became chair of the Subordinate Legislation Committee which subsequently was renamed the Constitutional Affairs Committee. Since 2007 she has also been chair of the Wales branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. At the same time she became chair of the Cross Party Group on Autism.[4]
In March 2008, Ryder launched a campaign calling on the UK Government to allow national flags such as the Welsh dragon to be displayed on car number plates. "I'm launching a petition to put pressure on Gordon Brown to listen to the people on this matter," she said. "Thousands have already voted with their feet on this and are proudly flying the flag but many more would no doubt join them if they knew they would not be breaking the law."[5]
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