The Lord Mayor
Councillor Graham Thomas.
Born and bred in Manselton in Swansea, Graham was elected as a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Cwmbwrla Ward in 1999. He was one of five children, 4 boys and a girl. He was educated in Manselton Secondary Modern School before gaining a Higher National Certificate in Business Studies at Swansea college of Further Education.
Graham's first employment was with the South Wales Electricity Board followed by 4 years with the West Glamorgan Water Board before moving to the Civil Service with the DVLA. It was while working at the DVLA that he met Kathy and they married on 1978. Kathy grew up in Kent where she attended Maidstone Girls Grammar School. She attended Swansea University as a mature student gained a Doctorate in Genetics, worked in the Heath Hospital in Cardiff on Leukemia Research before joining Gowerton School teaching Science.
They have 2 boys David and Gareth. David is married to Melanie and has a daughter Elsie aged 10, living in Leamington Spa. David is Head of History and Politics at Blue Coat C of E School in Coventry. Gareth is a Partner with Kennedy Law Firm in the City of London, living in Bermondsey with his partner Frankie.
Graham is a Governor at Burlais Primary School (formerly Manselton and Cwmbwrla Schools) and Pentrehafod School and has been since his sons first attended school. He is currently Vice Chair of Governors at Pentrehafod School.
Graham was appointed Cabinet Member for Housing (2004-2008) and Cabinet Member for Culture Recreation and Tourism (2008-2012) when he was appointed Chairman of the Swansea Stadium Management Company and served as a Board Member for the South West Wales Tourism Partnership, Wales National Pool and Play Wales.
Graham's leisure activities include walking, travelling and is a season ticket holder watching the Swans whenever possible.
Graham and Kathy have chosen to support Friends of the Young Disabled, Swansea and Crisis Skylight as the Lord Mayor's Charities for 2023/24.