About me:
I come from a long line of Labour political activists from my great-grandmothers who were suffragettes, my grandfather Morgan Phillips, a coal miner from the Rhymney and Rhondda valleys who rose to become General Secretary of the Labour Party, my grandmother Norah, who founded the first consumer group, my father John and mother Gwyneth: both Labour MPs.
Some may say it was inevitable that I would enter politics but I worked in the National Health Service and the Business sector for many years before standing for the National Assembly for Wales in 2003.
I believe politicians should come from a mixed background of experience in the real world. Without that broader experience, we are in danger of creating an isolated political class.
My childhood was radically different from my peers but I loved every second of it! Family conversations were dominated by politics: from the Vietnam war, the invasion of Hungary, the winter of Discontent, entry into Europe, Leadership battles and the dark days of Thatcher. My family lived, breathed and slept politics.
My passion and commitment stem from the values instilled by my late parents, from my experience of inequality, my belief in egalitarianism and from my own personal fight to raise five children alone.
I hope my passion may inspire others to go into politics, to fight for Democracy and to create a fairer Society for all.
WI: What is you’re favorite place in Wales?
TD: Millenium Stadium during any Wales rugby match but preferably against the All Blacks. AND the top of the Preselis looking North to Snowdonia and South to the Haven.
WI: Favorite Welsh band or musician?
TD: So hard! Stereophonics (Dakota), Manic Street Preachers (If you tolerate this, your children will be next), Catatonia (International Velvet)
WI: Favorite Welsh food or drink?
TD: Cawl and Brains
WI: What does Wales mean to you?
TD: Wales is my home, a proud Nation, a part of my family history and the best place in the world to raise children. A Nation of love, politics and music.
WI: What do you most miss about Wales when you are away?
TD: The road signs and the bi-lingual bank machines, hearing the language spoken daily and the incredible sunsets over Pembrokeshire. The reds and golds of the Preselis as I drive home.
