Gareth Richard Thomas is a British Labour and Co-operative politician who has represented Harrow West as Member of Parliament since 1997. Born on 15 July 1967, he has held several ministerial positions during his parliamentary career, serving as Minister of State for International Development and Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs between 2008 and 2010. Most recently, he served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Services, Small Business and Exports from July 2024 to September 2025.

Beyond his ministerial roles, Thomas played a significant leadership role within the co-operative movement, chairing the Co-operative Party for nearly two decades from 2001 until 2019. His political career has focused on areas including international development, trade policy, consumer affairs, and support for small businesses and the co-operative sector. He writes commentary for Comment Central.