Tonia and her brothers were brought up in Llanelli by her Welsh mum and Welsh-Italian father. As well as encouraging her passion for languages, they supported her love of sport and Tonia has played international rugby for Wales.
After studying French and Italian at Exeter University, she received her PGCE from Cardiff University and returned home to work as a teacher. Before being elected to represent Gower, she was Head of Modern Foreign Languages in a local comprehensive school.
She lives in the constituency with her son and alongside her passion for rugby she enjoys walking and exploring the many beautiful areas in the constituency.
Parliamentary Career
Since being elected Tonia has taken up a number of issues from constituents with a focus on protecting rural communities and challenging the government to keep their promises about investment in Swansea and Gower. Tonia currently serves as the co-chair of the APPG on Medical Cannabis under Prescription, fighting for access to NHS prescriptions for children who need them.
Tonia has held a number of front bench roles but currently serves in the Shadow Whips office. Previously she served as the Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Chancellor and Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. She is a member of the Petitions Committee, leading on debates in Westminster Hall, and has previously served on the is on the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, Women and Equalities committee, and the Welsh Affairs Committee.
In 2022 Tonia completed a course with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, gaining insight into military life, specialising in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Tonia has held a number of front bench roles but currently serves in the Shadow Whips office. Previously she served as the Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Chancellor and Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. She is a member of the Petitions Committee, leading on debates in Westminster Hall, and has previously served on the is on the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, Women and Equalities committee, and the Welsh Affairs Committee.
In 2022 Tonia completed a course with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, gaining insight into military life, specialising in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.