Joe Martin, the sole Reform MS for Caerdydd Penarth, has sparked controversy within his first nine weeks in the Senedd, causing a mass walkout and labelling Welsh Government diversity schemes as "explicitly racist" and "anti-white". The 28-year-old politician, who admits to being in the 99th percentile for disagreeableness on a professional personality test, remains unapologetic about his remarks.
Walkout Over Nation of Sanctuary Comments
In his first days as an MS, Martin made a contribution about the Nation of Sanctuary scheme that senior government minister called "dangerous". His comments led to colleagues from the Green Party, Labour, and Plaid Cymru leaving the chamber in anger. During a subsequent interview, he accused the Welsh Government of being "anti-white" over schemes offered to ethnic minorities, drawing further criticism from opponents.
Martin defended his stance, stating he is saying what he and his voters believe to be true. "I think if you're going to try and govern a country, you need to be able to listen to people who will disagree," he said. "I don't think it's productive or mature to simply move when people say things that you disagree with."
Background and Political Journey
Born in Cardiff, Martin attended Llanishen High School before studying at the University of Exeter. He did not graduate due to "a couple of quite serious illnesses" that put his life on hold for several years. After working in customer service for Lloyds Bank and later as a financial adviser, he joined Reform UK in August 2025, motivated by a belief that Brexit was not delivered as promised, particularly on immigration.
"I thought, 'Ok, well, the plan to limit immigration with Brexit didn't work. I have to go back into politics and make sure that a party gets in that can make laws in parliament that can give us back control of the borders,'" Martin explained.
Controversial Statements and Reactions
During a debate on June 16, Martin referred to Welsh Government international spending of £9m a year as "some of the most pointless schemes known to man." He mocked a tree-planting scheme in Uganda and suggested burning money instead. Plaid Cymru MS Zaynub Akbar interjected, saying, "I'm going to leave this because I don't accept any of this," and walked out. The Llywydd warned Martin to be careful in his language.
Martin stood by his comments, saying he was surprised by the walkout. "Obviously, I was poking fun at the insanity of the way they're committed to spending our money," he said. "I suppose I expected better."
Criticism of Diversity Schemes
After the interview, Martin called diversity hiring targets and golden handshakes for ethnic minority teachers "explicitly racist" and "anti-white discrimination." He argued that such policies do not serve the UK and that the country is "much worse off" for them.
Martin also expressed passion for less controversial issues, such as the lack of air conditioning in schools. "I will talk with those, hopefully with the same enthusiasm that I talk about the more controversial stuff," he said.
Future Ambitions and Party Unity
Despite criticism that Reform UK uses the Senedd as a platform for Westminster ambitions, Martin argued that the party is a "government in waiting" with policies covering transport, the NHS, and the economy. He cited building the M4 relief road as an example of a different approach.
When asked about a long-term political career, Martin said, "You never know where telling the truth is going to take you. That is why it requires courage." He dismissed claims that he is simply trying to make a name for himself, stating, "If I could say what I said with a bag over my head and no one knowing, I would still say it."
Reflecting on his first nine weeks in the Senedd, Martin said, "I don't get the impression that anyone in the government can do anything other than manage decline." He criticized Plaid Cymru for being distracted by "social justice and equality" rather than focusing on administration.
