Nigel Farage has today announced that Reform UK's campaign in Wales will be spearheaded by a former Conservative leader of a prominent London borough council. The revelation came during a press conference held in Newport this morning, strategically timed ahead of the crucial Senedd election scheduled for May.
Dan Thomas Takes the Helm for Reform in Wales
The individual unveiled to lead Reform's Welsh charge is Dan Thomas, a figure with deep roots in South Wales. Mr. Thomas previously served as the Conservative leader of Barnet Council from 2019 until 2022, a period that concluded with the council falling to Labour control. His political journey took a significant turn last summer when he defected to join the ranks of Reform UK.
Having returned to Wales with his family, Mr. Thomas resigned from his position as a councillor for Finchley Church End in December. His appointment signals Reform's intent to establish a strong, locally-connected presence in the upcoming devolved elections.
A Second High-Profile Defection Bolsters the Ranks
Mr. Thomas was not presented alone. He was joined at the Newport event by James Evans, another former Conservative who has recently crossed the floor. Mr. Evans' defection follows his dismissal last month from his role as a Tory Senedd frontbencher; he was removed as shadow cabinet secretary for health and social care and had the party whip withdrawn by Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, over suspicions he was planning to leave the party.
Since his sacking, Mr. Evans, who was first elected to the Senedd in 2021, has been sitting as an independent member. His move to Reform UK now provides the party with its second Member of the Senedd, following the earlier defection of former Conservative Laura Anne Jones in July.
Polling Points to a Dramatic Political Reshuffle
This leadership announcement comes against a backdrop of startling polling data suggesting a potential seismic shift in Welsh politics. Recent surveys indicate that Reform UK is on course to become the main opposition party in the Senedd, positioned to challenge a prospective coalition government formed by Plaid Cymru and the Greens.
However, the same numbers suggest that, even with potential Conservative support, Reform is likely to fall well short of securing enough seats to take power itself in Cardiff Bay.
Labour and Conservatives Face Historic Decline
The polling paints an apocalyptic picture for the Welsh Labour Party, which has been in government for over two decades. The data suggests Labour could collapse to become merely the fourth-largest party in the expanded Senedd. First Minister Eluned Morgan might see her party's representation slashed from its current 29 seats to a mere eight following the May election.
This collapse would pave the way for nationalists Plaid Cymru and the Greens to potentially take power. The Conservatives are also projected to suffer heavily. The poll indicates that Labour and the Conservatives, currently the two largest parties in the 60-seat chamber, could be reduced to little more than a dozen seats combined after the election, which will see the Senedd expand to 96 members.
The unveiling of Dan Thomas and the formal addition of James Evans mark a significant moment for Reform UK as it capitalises on political turbulence and positions itself as a major force in what promises to be a transformative election for Welsh devolved politics.
