Former Conservative Council Chief Takes Helm of Reform UK in Wales
In a significant political development, Nigel Farage has announced Dan Thomas as Reform UK's new leader in Wales. The appointment comes just three months before pivotal Senedd elections where the right-wing party could potentially secure the largest number of seats in the country.
Rally Announcement and Defections
Farage revealed Thomas's new role during a sold-out rally at the International Convention Centre Wales near Newport on Thursday morning. The event, attended by approximately 1,000 supporters, saw Farage receive a standing ovation before introducing his Welsh party leader. Journalists covering the media conference faced jeers and boos from sections of the crowd.
Thomas previously served as Conservative leader of Barnet council in north London between 2019 and 2022, until Labour took control of the authority. He defected to Reform UK last summer and resigned as a councillor for Finchley Church End in December to return to his hometown of Blackwood in south Wales.
Political Background and Strategy
When questioned about selecting someone from outside Welsh party circles, Farage emphasized Thomas's qualifications and personal connection to Wales. "Why did I pick Dan?" Farage asked rhetorically. "He tells a story of someone who had to go away but loves Wales so much he wants his own children to grow up in a similar environment."
Farage further explained his decision, stating: "And above all, because he's battle hardened ... Running budgets and facing opposition to development and many other things, and I think Reform UK here in Wales deserves to be led by somebody who's been there before and will keep a calm head through the good and bad."
Thomas expressed his commitment to the role, declaring: "We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to smash Labour's failing grip in Wales ... I will pour my heart and soul into fighting for every vote. We're fighting to win because this is the last chance for Wales. We are at a turning point."
Growing Parliamentary Presence
Before announcing Thomas's appointment, Farage introduced James Evans as Reform UK's latest Conservative defector. Evans, the Senedd member for Brecon and Radnorshire, was dismissed by the Tories last month amid suspicions he planned to join Reform and has since sat as an independent.
This defection brings Reform UK's representation in the Senedd to two members, following Conservative MS Laura Anne Jones's switch to the party last July. Farage has previous experience with Welsh parliamentary gains, having seen seven UK Independence Party members elected through regional lists in 2016.
Polling Position and Policy Direction
While Reform UK's support has surged over the past year as Welsh Labour grapples with long-term incumbency and unpopular Westminster leadership, recent polling indicates a slight decline from 29% to 23% of the vote. Despite this dip, such a result could still see the party increase its Senedd representation from two to 23 members, potentially making it the first right-wing party with a genuine chance of winning in Wales since the 1850s.
Farage confirmed that Thomas would enjoy "full autonomy" on Welsh policy matters and devolved governance issues. "I wouldn't even pretend to know what needed to happen within the failing NHS in Wales," Farage admitted. "When it comes to national policy, if we have a disagreement ... [We will come to] a conclusion and work it out."
Election Preparations and Policy Platform
The Reform UK leader announced that candidates for Senedd lists would be revealed in the first half of March, with the party planning to field nearly 100 candidates across the 16 new constituencies created by the updated voting system. Thomas promised a "positive, ambitious" manifesto would be published soon.
Currently, Reform UK's policy platform for Wales remains limited. The party has committed to abolishing the Welsh government's controversial 20mph speed limit in urban areas, a pledge reiterated during Thursday's rally. Farage has also made ambitious promises to reopen Wales's coalmines and restart blast furnaces at Port Talbot's steelworks, despite criticism that these plans may be "technically impossible."
The appointment of Thomas represents a strategic move by Reform UK to strengthen its Welsh operations ahead of crucial elections that could reshape the political landscape in the country.
