Reform UK leader in Wales stands down amid police investigation
Dan Thomas, the leader of Reform UK in Wales, has resigned following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour, reports BritPanorama.
Named the party’s Welsh leader in February, Thomas had successfully led Reform to become the second-largest party in the Senedd after the May election. He indicated that he was released without charge over the weekend.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, he announced his decision to step down for “personal reasons” but confirmed he would remain a member of the Senedd. “It has been the honour of my life to have been the leader of Reform Wales and see this party go from zero to 34 elected members and become the largest opposition group in Welsh history,” he stated.
Expressing regret, Thomas added, “Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge. I stress that I have done nothing wrong, but I do not want the coming headlines to be a distraction from the fantastic work our Senedd team is doing in holding this government to account.”
In relation to the arrest, Gwent Police reported, “On Sunday 13 September, a 45-year-old man from the Aberbargoed area was arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.”
The former Conservative councillor was born and raised in the South Wales Valleys. He had previously led Barnet Council from 2019 until 2022 before defecting to Reform in June last year. Following his return to Wales with his family, he led Reform UK as it emerged as the largest opposition group in the Welsh Parliament.
As the situation evolves, the political landscape within Wales may shift, with Thomas’s leadership decisions likely to have lasting implications for Reform UK.
