Tom Giffard was a Member of the
Welsh Parliament between May 2011 and April 2026. This was his biography at the
time he left.
Key Interests
Tom’s priorities include
strengthening Wales’s tourism offering, championing Welsh culture and
supporting grassroots sport.
Tom has a strong passion for
education, having worked as a Learning Support Assistant in a Welsh Language
primary school. He also has a keen interest in the structures and development
of local government, after leading the Conservative Council Group in Bridgend
for 4 years.
Personal history
Tom grew up both in
Penllergaer, Swansea and Ammanford, Carmarthenshire as his parents were
separated. Graduating from Swansea University with a BA in History and Politics
in 2013, Tom then continued to live in Swansea for a number of years before
moving to Bridgend in 2016.
Professional background
Tom, who is a second language
Welsh speaker, has held various roles during his professional life, firstly
becoming a Learning Support Assistant in a Welsh Language primary school. He
then went on to complete his studies at Swansea University. Upon his graduation,
he then went on to work as a Community Liaison Officer within his region of
South Wales West before organising campaigns and working with volunteers in
both Swansea and Bridgend. Prior to his election as a Member of the Senedd for
South Wales West, Tom held the position of Office Manager for the local Member
of Parliament.
Political history
Before his election to the
Senedd in 2021, Tom was elected to the Brackla ward as a Bridgend County
Borough Councillor in 2017, where he led the Conservative Group on the Council.
He also chaired the Bridgend County Borough Council Education Scrutiny Committee,
overseeing and scrutinising the council's multi-million-pound education budget.
After his election to the Senedd, Tom was appointed as the Welsh Conservative
spokesperson for Culture, Tourism and Sport, where he continues to champion
local businesses and organisations.
