Nigel Farage has designated a former Conservative member as the leader of Reform UK in Wales, and introduced another dismissed Conservative as the party’s newest member.
The leader of Reform revealed Dan Thomas, formerly a Tory councilor in London who switched to Reform last year, as the new head of the party in Wales. Additionally, James Evans, a former prominent Welsh Conservative, was unveiled as the latest defector to join Reform. Evans was removed from his position last month due to suspicions that he was planning to switch to Reform.
Welsh Labour criticized Reform Wales, stating that it is essentially “led by Tories,” and questioned the appropriateness of a former London councilor dictating what Wales needs. Plaid Cymru labeled Farage’s party as “recycled, washed-out Tories.”
During a press conference in Newport, Farage addressed criticisms that Reform is becoming a “Tory-dominated group” and emphasized his belief in offering “Christian forgiveness” by welcoming former Conservatives into the party.
Responding to queries about the number of Tories within Reform, Farage highlighted that as long as 5-8% of local election candidates are former Tories, it is acceptable. He emphasized the party’s openness to individuals with various political backgrounds, emphasizing the principle of forgiveness.
Dan Thomas, a Welsh-born former London council leader who returned to Wales after years in financial services in London, expressed his attachment to his Welsh roots and desire to provide better opportunities for Welsh residents.
James Evans, the current Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire, admitted to previously criticizing Reform UK but now believes the party confronts the harsh realities of Britain’s and Wales’ challenges.
Evans was dismissed by the Welsh Conservatives last month over suspicions of defection to Reform. Farage denied recent contact with Evans, who is now an independent Member of the Senedd.
Reform gained a second Member of the Senedd following Evans’s defection, previously having one after Laura Anne Jones’s switch from the Conservatives last year.
Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru criticized the influx of former Conservative members into Reform, describing the party as being “led by Tories” and Farage’s “puppet.”
Plaid Cymru’s leader labeled the new leader of Reform UK in Wales as Farage’s “lapdog” and reiterated the perception that Reform UK comprises former Tories seeking a new political platform.
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