Reform UK has appointed Helen Jenner as its new leader in Wales, succeeding Dan Thomas, who resigned last week following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behavior. Jenner, a fluent Welsh speaker and the party's former deputy Welsh leader, was elected by Reform's 33 Senedd members on Monday morning.
Nigel Farage, Reform's national leader, acknowledged the arrest as a "bump in the road" while welcoming Jenner to her new position. He expressed regret for Thomas's personal difficulties, stating that the situation made it "untenable" for him to continue as leader. Farage added that the party would move forward as if "nothing had happened," anticipating Thomas's eventual return to more active involvement.
Jenner, who has been associated with Farage's political movements since UKIP and stood for the Brexit Party in the 2019 Senedd election, described the situation as "not ideal" but accepted the role out of a sense of duty. She indicated a desire to implement changes within the party, including giving members more say in policy.
The leadership change occurs during a period of instability for Reform UK. Thomas's arrest and resignation follow other recent departures, including Senedd member Cooper-Lesadd, who defected to Plaid Cymru. Additionally, three councillors in Durham County Council have recently left the party to sit as independents. Farage himself faces scrutiny from Parliament's standards watchdog regarding a substantial gift from a billionaire, and the party is reportedly under investigation by the Metropolitan Police concerning allegations of disguised foreign donations, which Reform UK denies.
In a statement last week, Thomas asserted his innocence, stating he was released without charge and did not want his personal issues to distract from the party's work. He pledged to continue serving his constituents. Gwent Police confirmed a 45-year-old man was arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.
Political opponents have raised concerns about Reform UK's stability. A Welsh Labour spokesperson questioned the party's ability to deliver for its constituents, while Plaid Cymru MS Rebeca Phillips characterized Reform UK's Welsh representation as dictated by London interests.