Dan Thomas, the Member of the Senedd for Casnewydd Islwyn, has resigned as the leader of Reform UK in Wales. The move follows his arrest on Sunday by Gwent Police on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. Authorities confirmed that a 45-year-old man from Aberbargoed, Caerphilly, has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Official Statements and Response
- Party Status: Thomas stated he has been released without charge and maintains he has done nothing wrong.
- Leadership History: Appointed by Nigel Farage in February, Thomas led the party to secure 34 seats in the May Senedd elections, becoming the largest opposition group in Welsh history.
- Plaid Cymru Reaction: The ruling party commented that Reform UK is currently descending into chaos.
Thomas expressed that leading Reform Wales was the honour of his life but confirmed his resignation due to personal reasons. He noted that he was reported to the police over the weekend and emphasized that he would remain in his role as the MS for Casnewydd Islwyn. He further pledged his full support for his successor within the party.
His departure coincides with a challenging day for the party, as it was also confirmed that Reform MS Sarah Cooper-Lesadd has defected to Plaid Cymru. Thomas, who did not attend the First Minister’s Questions earlier today, leaves his post after his party’s significant growth from holding only two seats in the Senedd prior to the recent election. The report also notes that where his party went from having two politicians in Cardiff Bay to 34, he was first elected to the Senedd in the elections in May. The report also notes that with deep regret, I am now standing down from this position due to personal reasons.
