Ex-Reform Politician Accuses Party of Abuser-like Tactics

A former Reform UK politician has accused her previous party of responding to criticism in a manner akin to an abuser in a domestic abuse relationship. Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, who left Reform UK for Plaid Cymru last month, stated she was not surprised by recent allegations of sexism and misogyny within the party, citing her own experiences.

Reform UK has refuted Cooper-Lesadd's claims, labeling them as "outright fabrications" and stating she should resign from her seat in the Senedd. The party claims Cooper-Lesadd "lied her way into Welsh Parliament" and is now inventing stories to smear former colleagues.

An undercover investigation by ITV, scheduled for broadcast, has reportedly filmed several Reform UK supporters and candidates making racist and sexist comments over a 12-month period. The party has indicated that all individuals featured are under investigation, with some having resigned and others suspended.

Cooper-Lesadd, who was elected as a Member of the Senedd for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg in May as a Reform UK member before switching parties in September, alleged a sexist and misogynistic culture existed during her time with the party. She stated she was "on the receiving end" of such comments.

She detailed two specific incidents, claiming a prominent party member told her she "looked like a screamer" during a political rally. She also alleged the same member commented that she "did not need to be elected as she could be replaced by a 60-year-old man."

Cooper-Lesadd further asserted that the prevailing culture of sexism and misogyny meant she "did not feel empowered to report" these instances, believing they "would not have been taken seriously" by the party leadership. When questioned about Reform UK supporters labeling criticism as a "woke agenda," Cooper-Lesadd described such responses as "straight out of the Reform playbook," comparing the party's deflection tactics to those of an abuser in a domestic abuse situation. "Reform's playbook is if they can't defend the indefensible, they turn it on the person actually finding and making the allegations," she said. "I think ultimately Reform needs to play within the rules other parties play by."

Reform UK's statement insisted that Ms. Cooper-Lesadd "has an ounce of integrity or respect for her office, she would resign immediately and return the seat to a Reform representative." The party added that the media's serious consideration of her claims "without a shred of evidence is frankly astonishing."