Merv Toms

Toms was born in Boulder, Western Australia, to Lucy (née Kent) and John Pryor Toms. He moved to Perth during his childhood, attending Midland High School. Toms left school at the age of 15, initially working as a labourer and later as a carpenter and joiner. He married Winifred Ann Jenkinson in 1933, with whom he had three children. Toms was elected to the Bayswater Road Board in April 1944, and would serve on the council until May 1971, He was recognised as an Honorary Freeman of the City in December 1971 due to his service on the board, and has the Mertome Village aged care complex named after him. He was also prominent in the Building Workers' Industrial Union, a forerunner of the CFMEU. ==Politics==

Toms entered parliament at the 1956 state election, easily winning the seat of Maylands. At the 1962 election, he transferred to the new seat of Bayswater. When Bayswater was abolished at the 1968 election, he switched seats for a second time, winning the newly created seat of Ascot. Toms was subsequently appointed deputy chairman of committees in the Legislative Assembly. ==See also==