Key interests and
achievements
Rhys's main interests are
constitutional affairs, taking action on the climate emergency, eradicating
child poverty and ensuring a better life for families and those affected by
dementia. He also takes a keen interest in the local history of Cardiff, the
Welsh language along with legal and justice matters.
Personal history
Rhys was born and raised in
Cardiff where he attended Ysgol Glantaf. He studied law at Oxford University
and completed his Bar course at Cardiff University. He was awarded the
Pantyfedwen Scholarship.
Rhys lives in Cardiff with his
wife and their daughter.
Professional background
Prior to his election, Rhys worked as a barrister for Iscoed
Chambers, Swansea. He has practiced as a barrister since 2010.
He was appointed a First Tier
Tribunal Judge in the Social Entitlement Chamber (2019 -2021)
He sat on the Advisory board of
the Wales Governance Centre Justice and Jurisdiction project, was a Panel
Member Welsh Government Public Law Scheme and a Law Lecturer at Swansea
University from 2014-2019.
In 2018-19, Rhys undertook work
with the Welsh Government as Head of Policy for the Commission on Justice in
Wales chaired by Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, former Chief Justice of England and
Wales.
Political history
In 2017, Rhys stood in the
Cardiff Council election in the Canton ward, where he increased the Plaid Cymru
vote from 910 to 2,105.
Since being elected, to the
Senedd he has led and supported a number of prominent campaigns, such as
calling for justice for those living in high rise flats in Cardiff Bay, a
decent pension for 1950s born women and campaigned for a National Care System
for Wales to complement the Welsh National Health Service.
Cross Party Membership
Rhys was elected chair of the
cross party group on dementia on Wednesday 10 November 2021, with Jayne Bryant
MS elected as deputy.
