The Reform UK party in Wales navigated a tumultuous week marked by the arrest of its leader, the defection of a Member of the Senedd (MS), and the subsequent selection of a new leader. The period of significant upheaval began with the arrest of party leader Dan Thomas on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. Thomas has stated he was released without charge and denies any wrongdoing.
Reform UK Leader’s Arrest and Statement
The challenging week for Reform UK commenced with its leader in Wales, Dan Thomas, being arrested on Sunday morning shortly after appearing on a BBC Wales programme. While initially stating his absence from the Senedd chamber was for personal reasons, the party later confirmed the arrest. Journalists became aware of the situation on Monday evening, with senior party figures in Wales receiving notification around the same time. Some within the party’s London headquarters, including Nigel Farage, had already been informed.
During a Tuesday morning group meeting, Reform MSs experienced significant confusion and a sense of unease, described by some as the “rumour mill going wild.” Although not fully briefed, members were cautioned about impending difficult days. The absence of Dan Thomas from the chamber for First Minister’s Questions, with his deputy Helen Jenner stepping in, heightened speculation. Eventually, Thomas issued a WhatsApp message to his party’s MSs explaining the situation. He subsequently released a media statement announcing his resignation as leader, though he continues to serve as the Reform MS for Casnewydd Islwyn.
Senedd Member Defects to Plaid Cymru
Adding to the week’s drama, Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, the Reform MS for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg, announced her defection to Plaid Cymru. This news emerged after BBC Wales contacted Reform UK for a response to the developing story, indicating the party was unaware of her intentions until very shortly before the announcement. Cooper-Lesadd had been present on the Reform benches and was scheduled to speak for the party in the Senedd chamber just moments before the defection became public.
The decision to defect was reportedly only communicated to most Plaid Cymru MSs, including some government ministers, during their group meeting earlier that day. The move required approval from the Plaid Cymru group, with some members seeking assurances that Cooper-Lesadd understood the implications of joining the party. Ultimately, the defection secured the necessary two-thirds majority support, though not unanimous backing.
At a press conference held in the Senedd, Cooper-Lesadd described her move as the result of “a period of reflection and deliberation,” stating she had found “the right political home.” Both Cooper-Lesadd and Plaid Cymru have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of when and how discussions for the defection began, only confirming that the process had been ongoing for “a while” and that she had been on a “journey.” This defection, occurring just four months after the Senedd elections, has reignited discussions about the electoral system, which requires voters to select a party rather than an individual candidate.
Electoral System Accountability Concerns
Jess Blair of the Electoral Reform Society commented on the situation, noting that while defections are not unprecedented, the current Welsh voting system creates a greater “accountability gap.” Blair emphasized the need for a review of the electoral system, which was designed with a built-in review mechanism.
Appointment of a New Reform UK Leader
By Wednesday, Reform UK’s focus shifted to appointing a successor to Dan Thomas. A party official from London attended a meeting with the MSs to outline the leadership selection process. Dan Thomas was also present at this meeting. Several names were reportedly discussed as potential contenders, with James Evans initially considered a strong candidate.
However, James Evans announced at a hastily arranged press conference that he would not be putting his name forward for the leadership, despite reportedly having the backing of a majority of the party’s MSs. By Thursday morning, Helen Jenner emerged as the likely successor. While Reform UK leadership in London has not formally directed the process, sources suggest that Jenner, who has a long-standing association with Nigel Farage dating back to the UKIP era, is viewed favourably by party headquarters.
Confirmation of Helen Jenner’s appointment as the new leader was anticipated early the following week. Reflecting on the week’s events, Llŷr Powell, Reform’s chief whip in the Senedd, expressed a sense of renewed unity. “I feel we’re more united than ever,” Powell stated. “For us, it’s a new start next week, and that’s what we’re building on.”
