Constituency : Cornwall North 1939-47 , 1947-50 ( Labour )
Thomas succeeded the deceased Francis Dyke-Acland at Cornwall North. He increased the Liberal majority in a contest fought mainly on the issue of appeasement. He had a straight fight with the Tories. His nomination papers were signed by Labour and dissident Conservative members.
Thomas was born in Merthyr and educated at Cardiff High School. He served in World War One with the Cameron Highlanders.He went into business as a button and synthetics manufacturer. He later worked as a business consultant.
Thomas supported the idea of a Popular Front against the National Government and subsequently became an opponent of Churchill. In 1944 published Politics Made Plain. What the next election will really be about. He was active in Radical Action. He increased his majority in 1945 despite the challenge of an Independent Labour candidate.
Thomas became chief whip but quickly became disillusioned with Davies's leadership. In 1946 he resigned the whip and sat as an independent. In 1947 he was seriously injured in a plane crash and subsequently won damages. While convalescing he decided to join Labour. He refused the idea that he should instigate a by-election to ratify his change of party. He went straight to the left wing of the party allying with Michael Foot.
In 1950 Thomas declined to stand in Cornwall North and switched to Exeter where he failed to unseat the Tory.
Thomas was a keen oil painter.
He died in 1956 aged 60.
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