Iorwerth Thomas

Iorwerth Rhys Thomas (22 January 1895 – 3 December 1966) was a Welsh Labour Party politician who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Rhondda West from 1950 until his death in 1966. A former miner and trade union leader, he was a prominent figure in the South Wales Miners' Federation for over 30 years and served as chairman of Rhondda Borough Council from 1938 to 1939. In Parliament, Thomas was a consistent opponent of Welsh nationalism and the Parliament for Wales movement of the 1950s.

Early life and education Thomas was born on 22 January 1895 in Cwmparc, Rhondda, the son of David William Thomas, a self-employed greengrocer. He was educated at a local elementary school, and in 1908, at the age of 13, he began working at the Dare Colliery in Cwmparc.

Local government career In 1928, Thomas was elected as a member of Rhondda Borough Council, beginning a 23-year career in local government.

Personal life In October 1920, Thomas married Annie Mary Davies, daughter of D.J. Davies. She was also active in Labour politics in the area, supporting her husband's political career and engaging in local political activities. The couple had one son and one daughter. Annie Mary died in July 1956, ten years before her husband.

Death Thomas died on 3 December 1966 at the age of 71 at his home at 94 Park Road, Cwmparc, Rhondda. His death created a vacancy in the Rhondda West constituency, leading to the 1967 by-election in which his former political agent, Alec Jones, was elected as his successor.