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Eleri Thomas MBE has been reappointed as the deputy police and crime commissioner for Gwent.

Ms Thomas, who was first appointed as deputy in 2016, has been reappointed to the role by Jane Mudd, who was elected as Gwent’s police and crime commissioner earlier this month.

Serving under Ms Mudd’s predecessor Jeff Cuthbert, Ms Thomas led on areas of work including children and young people, criminal justice, equalities, domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

She was also temporarily appointed acting police and crime commissioner in early 2024 to cover a period of ill-health.

A former head of the charity Save The Children Wales, Ms Thomas was awarded an MBE in 2009 for her services to children and young people.

She has also worked as the Deputy Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

Speaking after her reappointment, Ms Thomas said: “I am proud to have played an integral role within the office of the police and crime commissioner for the past eight years and I am delighted to have been given another opportunity to serve the people of Gwent.

“I look forward to supporting the new commissioner to develop and deliver her new police and crime plan and to help ensure that the people of Gwent receive an efficient and effective service from their police force.”

She added: “I’m keen to engage with members of our communities across Gwent on the issues that matter to them.”

Ms Mudd praised Ms Thomas’ “dedication to the people of Gwent” and said: “She has a wealth of knowledge of the criminal justice landscape in Wales and is hugely respected within this world.

“While I have my own priorities and vison for what I want to achieve during my time as commissioner, having Eleri’s advice and guidance will be incredibly useful and provide consistency for our working relationships with partner organisations.”

Ms Mudd also highlighted the fact the force now has a female commissioner, deputy commissioner, and chief executive.

She continued: “I think this is hugely significant and sends a positive message to women and girls in our communities about the opportunities available to them.”