Brian Thomas, Liberal Democrat

* Born in Tredegar and lived all his life in this area. He is married with two children.

* Career - TV engineer for JC Charles Radio and TV company in South Wales for 35 years.

* He became a councillor for Blaenau Gwent in 1973.

* Regularly attends St George's church and Ebeneezer chapel.

* Became successful in three by-elections in Tredegar, Beaufort and Abertillery.

* He is the leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Blaenau Gwent county borough council.

* Brian Thomas is chairman of governors at Bryn Bach Park, chairman of the police liaison committee for Blaenau Gwent and a board member with Communities First.

Liberal Democrat policy: Freeedom - Fairness - Trust!

* Abolish the council tax - local income is both fair and affordable.

* No tuition fees or top-up fees - university affordable for every student!

* Free personal care when you need it - no one obliged to sell his or her home to pay for care.

* Ten thousand extra police on our streets - cutting crime and anti-social behaviour!

If elected I will be fully committed to the residents of Blaenau Gwent in the same manner I have represented the people of Tredegar.