About The Current Mayor
Councillor John Thomas, Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil 2024/2025
Councillor John Thomas was elected Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil at the Council’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 15th May 2024, taking over from the immediate past Mayor, Councillor Malcolm Colbran, as First Citizen of the County Borough.
Husband to Debbie, Dad to Gareth, Emma, Nathan and Rachel, and Granddad to nine; John was born and raised in Primrose Hill, Twynyrodwyn.
A former worker at Hoover, John was also a proud business owner for over 25 years as the owner of Twyn Cars.
John has been a Town Ward Councillor since 2017. John said: “I would always ask questions of local councillors in my ward while having a drink together – you could say that I pestered them - so I thought instead of asking questions and criticising, I’d stand up and have a go myself.
“Thanks to the residents of the Town Ward putting their faith in me, here I am 7 years later.”
Recently retired, John is a darts player in the Merthyr League and a keen football fan. He has been a referee for around 16 years and is currently Treasurer of the Merthyr Tydfil Referee Society. In his career as a referee, John reached the dizzy heights as a Linesman on the League of Wales – something he’s immensely proud of.
When asked what becoming Mayor means to him, John said: “It is a great honour and privilege to become Mayor. The respect people have and the way they address you is overwhelming! I want to do the residents of Merthyr Tydfil proud.”
John’s Consort for the municipal year 2024-25 is his wife, Debbie Thomas.
The new Mayor’s duties will include chairing full council meetings and representing the authority at formal and ceremonial occasions throughout the county borough, regionally, nationally, and internationally. He will also welcome visitors to Merthyr Tydfil and attend and support events organised by local people and organisations.
John has chosen to support two local charities:
Ty Enfys Dementia Unit, which holds a lot of memories for John’s family, he said: “My father-in-law attended the previous unit for 13 years and the work and care the staff there show everyone who attends is incredible.”
Hope Pantry. John said: “After visiting Hope Pantry on several occasions and seeing the work Heidi and her team of volunteers carry out was truly amazing and I felt that it deserved support from the mayor’s charity this year.”
Deputy Mayor for the next year is Dowlais & Pant ward member Councillor Paula Layton, whose Consort will be her partner, Councillor Declan Sammon.
If you would like to invite the Mayor to an event, or donate to the Mayor’s appeal, please contact mayoral@merthyr.gov.uk