(Q60551)

Jeffrey Thomas (1933-1989) QC, was MP for Abertillery, 1970-1983 (Labour 1970-1981 and SDP 1981-1983), and Recorder of the Crown Court from 1975. He became PPS to the Secretary of State for Wales, 1977-1979, and opposition spokesman on legal affairs, 1979-1981. Jeffrey Thomas was born on 12 November 1933, the son of John James Thomas and Phyllis Thomas (nee Hile). In 1960 he married Margaret Jenkins, and married his second wife, Valerie Ellerington in 1987. He was educated at Abertillery Grammar School and King's College, London, and was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn in 1957. Jeffrey Thomas unsuccessfully contested Barry in 1966 as a Labour candidate, and Cardiff West in 1983 as a candidate for the SDP. He was SDP spokesman on legal affairs, 1981-1983, before rejoining the Labour Party in 1986.