Born in Brymbo, Wrexham, Mewies represented the constituency of Delyn at the National Assembly for Wales from her election in 2003 until 2016.

Holds a degree from the Open University and is an Honorary Fellow of the North East Wales Institute.

She has worked as a journalist, in the voluntary sector running the former Clwyd Community Care Federation and as a lay inspector of schools.

County and community councillor, Wrexham for 16 years – she served as deputy leader and mayor.

She was elected to the National Assembly for Wales in 2003 as a Labour candidate to represent Delyn and re-elected in 2007 and again in 2011.