Helen Jenner, deputy leader of Reform Wales, has said online commenters told her she had no right to be at the Eisteddfod because of her membership of the right-wing party. Ms Jenner, who grew up on Anglesey and is one of the area's Senedd members, said the criticism came after she attended the Welsh language festival held earlier this month.
Criticism over festival attendance
The fluent Welsh speaker said online commenters claimed she had no right to be at the Welsh language festival because she belongs to Reform. Speaking on the BBC Wales political podcast, Walescast, she said she found the criticism ridiculous but said it did not bother her.
“I see the odd comment [online], surprisingly, from some quite professional people making remarks about me,” she said. She said a recent comment had claimed she had “no right to be in the Eisteddfod, because I'm in Reform, I had no right to be there, and that it was a disgrace that I was there speaking Welsh”.
Reaction to online remarks
“You know, a lot of, I will be honest, Plaid Cymru, Yes Cymru supporters being very annoyed at the fact that I portray myself as a Welsh person because apparently, you know, you can't be Welsh-speaking in Reform. So, I get bits like that, but it doesn't bother me. I just think it's ridiculous.”
In the interview, Ms Jenner also said she feels concerned for the safety of her own family after the death of former Conservative MP and UK Government minister Ann Widdecombe last month. Ms Widdecombe later joined Reform. A man has been charged with murder in connection with her death.
Concerns for family safety
“What happened to Ann Widdecombe was so horrifying, I don't even think I fully processed it,” she said. “Because I think if I fully actually engaged with the nature of what happened I would just be in a bit of a state.”
“I am concerned about my family, I'm concerned about other members. I want my home to be secure but one thing it hasn't done is put me off. It has made me more determined to determine to carry on.”
