Reform UK has been accused of sowing division over immigration in Caerphilly ahead of next week's Senedd byelection. During a heated BBC Wales debate, the party faced criticism for 'weaponising' immigration rather than treating people as individuals.
An audience member told Reform candidate Llŷr Powell that her family, which includes someone not born in the UK, now feels unwelcome in the area since the party began campaigning. She said she had warned her sons to avoid certain places because of the rhetoric.
A new Survation poll suggests Reform is leading with 42% support, followed by Plaid Cymru on 38%, Labour on 12%, and the Conservatives on 4%. If accurate, it would end Labour's century-long hold on the Caerphilly Senedd and Westminster seats.
During the debate, Powell defended his focus on immigration, citing housing pressures and the 'Boriswave' of arrivals. Labour candidate Richard Tunnicliffe accused Reform of wanting to 'sow division and fear'. Plaid's Lindsay Whittle criticised Reform's plan to scrap the Welsh government's sanctuary policy and highlighted the conviction of former Reform Wales leader Nathan Gill for bribery related to Russia.
The poll indicates Reform is stronger among older voters, while Plaid leads with younger people. Survation's chief executive said Welsh politics is on the verge of unprecedented change, with Labour's dominance likely ending.
