Afan Ogwr Rhondda

1) Dean Ronan

Dean Ronan is a passionate community advocate, experienced educator, and long-time grassroots sports leader standing for the Welsh Liberal Democrats in Afan Ogwr Rhondda.

Dean works as a teacher supporting children in residential care, bringing frontline experience of how underfunded services impact families and vulnerable young people. He is committed to championing fairness, opportunity, and meaningful change for all our valleys and towns.

As a respected Rugby Coach at Maesteg Harlequins RFC, Bridgend Ravens, Ospreys Age Grade and the Wales Womens Senior National Team with over 15 years of service, Dean has used sport to mentor young people, tackle anti-social behaviour, and promote mental health. He believes strongly in investing in grassroots sport and culture as tools for community inclusion and social change.

Dean’s priorities are clear: giving our communities a stronger local voice, ensuring no area is left behind, and empowering people through education, wellbeing, and opportunity.

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X (formerly Twitter): @deanronan

2) Cen Phillips

Cen was elected to Neath Port Talbot Council in 2022, and since 2023 has served in the coalition administration as Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing. 

Cen has a background in the arts, and a passion for both nature and heritage. He understands that our industrial and former industrial heartlands have a unique wealth of both, and is passionate about unlocking the opportunities that can offer for community, environmental and economic regeneration.

He strongly believes that strategic investment into our physical and cultural landscapes is key to revitilising all of our communities into vibrant places where everyone can be proud to live and work.

4) Helen Thomas

Helen Thomas lives in South Wales with her family. She is a busy mum to two teenage boys and feels strongly about improving and supporting education in Wales. She is Chair of Governors at a Primary school and also a Parent Governor at a Secondary school.

Helen also loves the outdoors and enjoys the local beaches and countryside that the constituency has to offer. She has been involved with the Lib Dem’s since 1999 and feels strongly about improving our local communities for all who live and work there.

6) James McGettrick

James McGettrick is a Councillor who has represented the Sketty ward in Swansea since 2022. He has worked closely with local residents focusing on practical local issues, community engagement and effective representation for his constituents.

Before being elected, James built a varied professional career, including several years working in the steel industry and later working in engineering and research at Swansea University’s Campus on Fabian Way. This experience has shaped his interest in sustainability, innovation and evidence-based decision making in local government.

Alongside his council role, James volunteers with the local food-bank, where he is also a trustee, and is actively involved with volunteer work in his local park. He is passionate about community well-being & protecting local green spaces.