Key
interests and achievements
David
is a strong advocate for good relationships between workers and their employers
and as such believes that trade unions have an important role in supporting
working people. He is a member of both
Unite and Unison and was previously also a member of the Universities and
Colleges Union during his educational career. His academic interest in the application
of computing led him to become a member of the British Computer Society and a
Chartered Engineer during his time as an academic.
His
political interests include the future of manufacturing in Wales, the provision
of health services, education, economic development & regeneration
including the opening up of more tourism opportunities within the South Wales
valleys and improving public services within local communities.
Personal
history
David
Rees is a native of Aberavon and was educated in local primary and
comprehensive schools. Upon completing his A-levels he attended University
College Cardiff (now Cardiff University) for both his undergraduate studies and
his PGCE. He has always lived in Port Talbot and now lives in Cwmafan, Port
Talbot, with his wife. They have two adult daughters, both of whom attended
local Welsh medium schools, and five grandchildren.
David
has an honours degree in Civil & Structural Engineering from Cardiff
University, as well as a post-graduate teaching qualification and a master’s
degree in Computer Science.
Professional
background
David
started his education career as a teacher of mathematics and computer science
in Cynffig Comprehensive School, Kenfig Hill, before becoming a lecturer in
computing at Afan College. He then moved into higher education as a senior
lecturer in Computing and prior to his election to the National Assembly in
2011 he had progressed his career to become an Assistant Dean of Faculty at
Swansea Metropolitan University (now part of UWTSD). During his time at Swansea Metropolitan
University, David was chair of the Joint trade union committee and a lay member
of the Welsh regional committee of UCU (NATFHE) representing members across the
institution.
David
has continually shown an interest in educational governance and has been a
staff governor at Swansea Institute of HE (as it was known then) and Afan
College (as it was known then) plus a parent governor at Ysgol Gyfun
Ystalyfera.
Political
history
David
was first elected to the National Assembly for Wales as the Labour Assembly
Member for Aberavon in 2011, succeeding Dr Brian Gibbons. During the fourth
Assembly term David chaired the Health & Social Care Committee and also sat
on the Enterprise & Business Committee, the Environment Committee and the
Children, Young People & Education Committee. He also chaired cross party groups (CPGs) on
Science & Technology, Mental Health and Industrial Communities.
In
2016, David was re-elected to represent Aberavon in the Senedd. During the fifth Senedd, David chaired the
External Affairs & Additional Legislative committee and also sat on the
Finance Committee, the Health, Social Care & Sport Committee and the
committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister. He continued to chair the CPGs on STEMM and
Mental Health and also chaired CPGs on STEEL, Nursing & Midwifery and
Cancer, whilst being a member of several others.
In
2021, David was once again re-elected to represent his home town in the sixth
Senedd, and was subsequently elected as Deputy Presiding Officer.
Since
joining the Labour party in 1982 he has held a number of positions within the
Labour Party in Wales, as well as in his trade unions.
Before
being selected to represent his home constituency in 2011, David was the Labour
Party’s candidate for Brecon and Radnorshire in the 2003 National Assembly
election and a list candidate for South Wales West in the 2007 election.
