00:00My name is Dan Thomas and my story is similar to many of you in this room and watching at home.
00:06I was born and raised in the Wells Valleys where my family lived for generations.
00:12My granddad was a minor as was his dad before him.
00:16A strong work ethic ran in the family and I studied hard at school
00:20while juggling paper rounds and training with the local air cadets.
00:25I have fond memories of growing up in Wales and I didn't want to leave when I turned 18.
00:32My parents were sad to see me go, or so they tell me.
00:35But for many young Welshmen and women, good opportunities in Wales are few and far between.
00:42The well-paying jobs and the high-flying career paths are simply not there.
00:48So I left to build a successful career in financial services in London
00:53while serving my new community as a councillor and council leader.
00:59At 27 years, I'm back home, raising two young boys in the valley
01:05so they can enjoy the same beautiful Welsh countryside that I played in as a child.
01:11I've come back to where I belong.
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