Cameron Thomas (politician)

Aaron Cameron Thomas, MP is a British politician who has been a Member of Parliament for Tewkesbury since July 2024. He is a member of the Liberal Democrats. He won against incumbent Conservative MP, Laurence Robertson.

Thomas joined the RAF at the age of 17, initially within the ranks and later served as a Commissioned Officer. He has served several operational tours which include Iraq, United Arab Emirates and the Falkland Islands. Motivated primarily by helping others, Cameron also served heavily in the training environment, including a tour as a Drill Instructor, training 1000 recruits over 3 years, before resigning his commission to enter politics.

In August 2021, Thomas's team was integral to planning the successful British withdrawal from Afghanistan. Later that year, Thomas deployed to East Midlands NHS, to plan and deliver the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines across Leicestershire and Rutland.

Military career
On 3 May 2000, at the age of 17, Cameron Thomas enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He graduated from Recruit Training Squadron (RTS), in July 2000 with 11 Flight and commenced Trade Training at RAF Cosford in September. During this time, Thomas bonded closely with his course mates through activities such as football and playing Goldeneye on the N64. He graduated from RAF Cosford as a Telecommunications Operator (TCO) in March 2001.

Thomas’s first assignment as a TCO was with the Tactical Communications Wing (TCW) at RAF Brize Norton. He deployed multiple times, including to Oman (on exercise in Thumrait on 11 September 2001), Iraq (Umm Qasr, Shai'bah, and Balad), South Carolina (USA), and Fujairah (UAE). During this tour, he was awarded the Iraq Medal. His Flight Sergeant suggested commissioning as an officer, a path Thomas initially dismissed but later reconsidered.

In August 2005, Thomas was posted to Cyprus Communications Unit (CCU) Episkopi, responsible for maintaining various communications systems across the island. He spent three months at RAF Cosford realigning his trade to Information and Communications Technology (ICT), acquiring skills in building and maintaining computers, networks, and cabling systems. He also learned to scuba dive with an Army Adventurous Training Centre at Dhekelia.

Following Cyprus, Thomas served at RAF Benson, overseeing fixed and mobile voice communications across the station. He led a team in supporting Air Traffic Control and Flying Squadrons and deployed to the Falkland Islands as the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the ICT Service Desk. Despite finding the role uninspiring, he developed strong relationships with other sections and engaged in various activities, including rescuing a penguin at Volunteer Point. He was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal during this tour.

As a Drill Instructor at RTS, Thomas trained, mentored, and developed future RAF aviators, finding this role highly rewarding. He trained recruits in Foot and Arms Drill, General Service Knowledge, Core Values, and equipment maintenance. His effective mentorship led him to recognize his leadership potential and aspire to a commission, enhancing his credibility as a future parliamentary candidate. He completed 13 consecutive intakes of RAF recruits, approximately 1,000 trainees, and received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Between RTS and Initial Officer Training, Thomas was stationed at RAF Cranwell, Imjin Barracks, and RAF Brize Norton. At Brize Norton, he supervised a diving expedition in Malta and assisted with training new divers in Cyprus. He also called the salute at the National Cenotaph in Westminster during London Pride 2018.

Thomas began Initial Officer Training at RAF College Cranwell in June 2018 with B Squadron. He bonded with his course mates and assisted Direct Entrants with Weapon Handling, equipment preparation, and Foot Drill. Elected by his peers to represent them to the College Commandant, he reinforced his ambition to stand for Parliament. Thomas graduated from RAF College Cranwell with D Squadron in October 2019 and completed the RAF Police Officer Course at the Defence School of Policing and Guarding (DSPG), Southwick Park.

Thomas's first tour as a Provost Officer was at HQ No. 7 Air Mobility Security Sqn, followed by a tour at No. 4 Force Protection Wing. As an Operational Planning Officer, he participated in planning and executing the Force Protection element of Operation Pitting, the withdrawal from Afghanistan. He was awarded the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal during this tour.

In 2022, Thomas was assigned to DSPG as the 2IC Training Support Sqn, where he managed several teams and guided personnel through significant challenges. In March 2023, he hosted the DSPG Awards Night, an event noted for its humour and success. In June 2023, he joined the RAF Inclusivity team at Air Command, RAF High Wycombe.