Dan Thomas, the leader of Reform UK in Wales, has resigned from his position, citing personal reasons and a recent report to the police. Thomas stated in a released statement that he was reported to the police over the weekend and subsequently released without charge, emphasizing that he has done nothing wrong.
He expressed a desire to prevent potential headlines from distracting from the work of the Reform Senedd team in holding the Welsh government accountable. Thomas affirmed his commitment to continuing to serve his constituents in Casnewydd Islwyn and to supporting his successor.
Gwent Police confirmed that a 45-year-old man from the Aberbargoed area was arrested on Sunday, September 13, on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behavior. The man was bailed pending further inquiries. The police did not confirm the identity of the arrested individual.
Thomas was absent from a recent session of First Minister's Questions in the Senedd, with a Reform spokesperson attributing his absence to personal reasons. His deputy, Helen Jenner, represented him during the session.
Prior to his role with Reform UK, Thomas served as the Conservative leader of Barnet Council in London from 2019 to 2022. He defected to Reform UK in the summer of 2025, resigned from his London council position in December of that year, and returned to Wales with his family. He had previously spoken about returning to Wales to address a perceived lack of high-paying job opportunities.
Under Thomas's leadership, Reform UK achieved a significant result in Wales, establishing itself as the largest opposition group with 34 elected members. However, the party did not achieve its goal of taking control of the Welsh Parliament.