Reform UK's Welsh Election Candidates Face Scrutiny Over Controversial Pasts
As Reform UK unveils its slate of 96 candidates for the upcoming Senedd elections in Wales, the party's hopes for a significant breakthrough are being overshadowed by revelations about several candidates' controversial histories. The party, which currently holds just two of the 60 seats in the Welsh parliament, is aiming to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction with Labour and recent electoral successes in England.
Manifesto and Ambitions
Reform UK's Welsh leader, Dan Thomas, declared this week that "Wales is at a turning point, but with Reform, our best days lie ahead." The party's manifesto includes key policies such as scrapping Wales' controversial 20mph speed limit and ending the country's status as a Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers and refugees. Nigel Farage has framed the election as a referendum on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership.
Following problems with candidate vetting during the 2024 UK general election, Farage has emphasised the importance of getting the process right for the Welsh elections, describing it as "absolutely key." The party has reportedly brought in television personality Jeremy Kyle to assist with media training for candidates.
Controversial Candidates Emerge
Among Reform's candidates are several individuals whose past statements and actions have drawn significant criticism. Corey Edwards, the lead candidate for Bont Bro Morgannwg, faced immediate controversy when a photograph of him performing a Nazi salute surfaced online less than a day after his candidacy was announced.
In a statement issued through Reform UK Wales, Edwards acknowledged the photograph "looks bad and could be misinterpreted," while emphasising his opposition to Nazism and antisemitism. He stated: "The Nazi regime was the most barbaric ever, and I'd never make light of nor dilute its seriousness." A party spokesperson added that they were "not willing to write people off forever because of mistakes they made when they were young people."
Inflammatory Comments on Immigration and Benefits
Francesca O'Brien, Reform's top candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe and Swansea's first Reform councillor, has faced criticism for comments linking asylum seekers to child exploitation. During a television debate on ITV's Sharp End in January, she suggested that concerns about women and children's safety were "laughable" given "mass uncontrolled immigration into the UK."
Her remarks drew a sharp rebuke from government minister Ken Skates, who called the comparison "abhorrent." O'Brien defended her comments as expressing "genuine concern." The candidate had previously apologised in 2019 for saying that people featured on the Benefits Street reality TV show needed "putting down."
Racial Slurs and Safety Concerns
Reform MS Laura Anne Jones, the party's top candidate for Sir Fynwy Torfaen, was suspended from the Senedd for two weeks in December over a racial slur about Chinese people in a WhatsApp group from 2023. Jones, who defected from the Conservatives, apologised for her language and stated that she and her staff had completed Senedd respect and conduct training.
Another candidate, Scott Thorley, who is standing in Gwyr Abertawe, briefly stepped back from the party following the assassination of American right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk. Thorley explained that his wife was "worried that someone would do something stupid" and expressed concerns about family safety. He has since returned to active campaigning, describing the upcoming election as "really exciting."
Diverse Candidate Pool
Reform's candidates represent a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Owen Clatworthy, standing for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg, became Bridgend County Borough's youngest ever councillor last year at age 20. He grew up in care and says he entered politics to make positive changes.
At the other end of the spectrum, Patrick Benham-Crosswell, a 62-year-old former British army officer and author standing for Gwyr Abertawe, came second to Labour in the Swansea West general election in 2024. He has written six books, including one on why he joined the Brexit Party.
As Wales approaches its Senedd elections, Reform UK faces the challenge of presenting a united front while managing the controversies surrounding some of its candidates. The party's ability to address these issues may significantly impact its electoral prospects in the Welsh parliament.
