Huw was elected to the Senedd in May 2026 as the Welsh
Labour member for Caerdydd Penarth. He was subsequently made Labour
spokesperson for Finance, Democracy, Citizenship and Welsh Language.
Huw was born and raised
in Aberystwyth in a Welsh-speaking family, where a strong commitment to
public service was instilled from an early age by his parents, both of whom
were teachers. He holds a degree in Music from Oxford University and a Master's
degree in International Relations from Aberystwyth University.
Before entering full-time politics, Huw built a career in
project management, working in the aerospace and sustainable transport sectors.
He later served as Head of Christian Aid Wales, leading the organisation's work
across the country.
Huw was elected as Councillor for Splott in Cardiff in 2012
and served as Leader of Cardiff Council between 2017 and 2026. Under his
leadership, Cardiff Council delivered more than 1,500 new council homes,
expanded the largest school-building programme in generations, protected
education and social services funding, and helped establish Cardiff as a
leading Real Living Wage city. His administration undertook ambitious economic
development programmes including the completion of Central Square, commencement
of a new 16,500 capacity Indoor Arena, and the conception and design of the
Cardiff Crossrail network. His tenure at the Council also saw significant steps
to address climate change, with a Climate Emergency declared in 2019, a new
solar farm built at Lamby Way, the city’s first district heat network
installed, continued improvements in recycling rates, and over 150,000 trees
planted across the city.
As Council Leader, Huw guided the authority through
significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living
crisis and continued pressures on local government finances. He worked closely
with Welsh Government ministers, trade unions and community partners to deliver
services and support residents across the capital.
Huw lives in the constituency with his wife and their two
children. He is passionate about tackling inequality, strengthening public
services and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or
circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.
