I first met Cameron on a conservation expedition in North Uist, in 2011. Having served our country for many years in the RAF, he is now standing to further serve our country in Parliament. It is a timely intervention, with integrity in UK politics at a dangerous low and with trust in politicians in short supply. Parliament needs MPs who will not compromise on their principles. Cameron is such a character, evidenced by his lifelong commitment to our ecosystems and biodiversity.
I met Cameron through our shared interest in policing and we've had many interesting conversations about how that can best be delivered here in Gloucestershire. I was impressed not only by his substantial professional knowledge, but also by his thoughts on how policing should contribute to the quality of life for the people who live in our beautiful county.
It's impossible not to see and feel the energy and enthusiasm Cameron has and how he applies that to his ambitions to serve the county as a member of the House of Commons. I wish him every success.
As Cameron Thomas' Officer in Command, I found him to be an individual of the upmost integrity and with a strong moral compass. His confidence grew exponentially throughout his time under my command, achieved by willingly and regularly choosing the right, but difficult path; rather than the easy but morally weaker solution to challenges. He did not shy away from conflict and would stand up for what he believed in, to maintain standards across the Squadron. I would value these traits highly in any potential politician. I have no doubt that by having the moral courage to choose the challenging but ultimately just path for the benefit of individuals and wider society, he will win respect amongst his peers, whilst representing excellent value to those he represents.
In 2022, Richard Ford MP planted his tanks on the Tory lawn at Tiverton and Honiton and now it's great to see RAF Veteran Cameron Thomas deploying the jets in Tewkesbury!
Why is it essential to have former Service people like Cameron in Parliament for the Lib Dems? To me, it's one word: trust. I know his commitment and beliefs are sound. I can trust his judgment, honed through decades of RAF leadership roles and I know he has my back as a Veteran.
I can trust his decision-making, based on Cameron having had to make the hard calls as a leader on Operations.
He also understands the world beyond the United Kingdom, particularly in the context of defence and national security. Having experienced recent conflict, he is committed to peace and diplomacy.
His discipline and strong work ethic mean he will work for all in Tewkesbury regardless of their political leanings. As a Veteran, he has that unique understanding of Veteran issues and can bridge the civil-military divide. His specialism as a Service Policeman further means that he is strong on policing issues and the safety of us all.
Words like integrity mean something to Cameron, and he can restore Tewkesbury's trust in Parliament.
When I met Cameron at Initial Officer Training, he had already served amongst the ranks for many years. He instantly helped me feel at ease through encouragement, but also through an innate ability to know when to step in, or when instead to assess a situation.
Unbeknownst to him, he quickly became the person I'd line myself up next to before any challenge. We elected Cam as our Course Spokesperson to the Commandant; never afraid to enter a difficult conversation, canvassing opinions to accurately represent them, and eloquently challenging beliefs and and processes. We were proven to have made the right decision - being an advocate and a representative is in his DNA and he always makes the time to talk.
Beyond his duties he remains committed to educating, debating and standing up for causes he believes in. He's a proud and dedicated father, unashamedly revelling in the small things which bring happiness.
I don't think you could ask for a better representative.
He's someone I want in my corner.
I served with Cam for several years as Junior Ranks. We deployed together on worldwide Exercises and Operations in the early years of our careers, each of us barely adults.
Since then, we have forged a friendship which has spanned over 20 years and I'm proud of what he's achieved and the man he's become.
He is entirely dependable, with the will to succeed in any and every undertaking.
Having served his country for 23 years, he is to my mind the ideal Parliamentary Candidate: strong, with the moral courage to stand and fight for what is right. He possesses an abundance of globe-spanning life experience and if elected, will undoubtedly make a positive impact in politics.
I met Cam when I began initial military training in 2013; he's a dedicated and committed individual with incredibly high personal and professional standards. Aided by his authenticity, he moulded his trainees into Service Persons of the highest calibre, ensuring a bright future for the RAF.
Years later our paths crossed again, when we trained together as Officer Cadets. As soon as I saw him there a weight lifted, such is the confidence he inspires in his colleagues. His sense of humour breaks down barriers and shines through adversity. His dependability and courage to stand up for what's right led us to elect him as spokesperson for every Officer Cadet in training. In this role he applied his Emotional Intelligence to challenge norms and influence positive change for the cadets who followed.
Guided by a strong moral compass and with fearless commitment, Cam is well prepared for the challenges of the political environment. I firmly believe that if elected, he will thrive in his capacity to deliver on behalf of his constituents.
Cameron and I met as Junior Ranks in the RAF. Initially we seemed to be polar opposites - both in worldview and life experience, though now that's only half true.
We became close friends in just a matter of weeks, our differences fading as we discussed our outlooks. He's responsible for changing my own, particularly in terms of humanity and mutual respect.
I have never since met a more dedicated, honourable and capable individual, his integrity steadfast in the face of challenge.
I have long suspected that he'd embark on a political career because he's cut from the cloth of public service. As a military veteran he holds himself to a high standard, and I know he'd deliver his constituents the Excellence that they deserve.
Cameron Thomas
Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom
Promoted by K. Usmar on behalf of Liberal Democrats at Priory Farm, Hazleton, Gloucestershire, GL54 4DX.