Former UKIP Leader Caroline Jones Passes Away Shortly After Senedd Election
Caroline Jones, the former leader of UKIP in the Welsh Parliament, has died just days after participating in the Senedd election.
Jones, aged 71, fell seriously ill with severe sepsis on the night of the election results, 8 May, after attending the vote count at Barry Leisure Centre earlier that day.
She passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning at Morriston Hospital.
Tributes from Family and Colleagues
Her husband, Alun Williams, described Jones as a "fantastic woman" who was well-regarded within the Senedd and known for her dedication to helping others.
"She was a fantastic woman - she couldn't do enough for other people," Williams told BBC Wales.
Political Career and Recent Election
Jones served as a Member of the Senedd (MS) for South Wales West from May 2016 until May 2021. At the time of her death, she was seeking to return to the Senedd as an independent candidate for the Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg constituency.
Initially, she was announced as a Reform UK candidate for a different constituency but left Nigel Farage's party in April, citing that the party had disregarded grassroots members.
Health Decline and Hospitalization
Williams, who works in the Senedd, said Jones was admitted to Morriston Hospital in Swansea after becoming ill on the evening of the election count.
He noted that she had previously suffered pneumonia, sepsis, and a hospital-acquired infection around Christmas, but her illness following the election was unexpected.
"She was a fantastic woman - she couldn't do enough for other people," he reiterated.
Williams recounted that Jones had recently assisted a homeless family in finding accommodation through the council after they approached her late on the evening before she was hospitalized.
"She was a fantastic woman - she couldn't do enough for other people," he said.
He also mentioned that Jones donated a salary increase to charity when she took on the role of Senedd commissioner, a position responsible for overseeing parliamentary operations.
"I've had people in the house at 01:00 in the morning, asking Caroline for advice," Williams said. "It was like a calling for her, to help people."
Respect and Legacy Within the Senedd
Williams emphasized that Jones was highly respected as an MS and well-liked across political parties.
"A lot of people from other parties all got on with her. People in the canteen were in tears when they found out she was in hospital again," he said.
He added that Jones was deeply upset about not being able to return to the Senedd.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1955 at Llwynypia Hospital in Rhondda, Jones trained as a drama and physical education teacher. She later established cafes in Porthcawl and Bridgend.
Until 2005, she worked for over seven years as a prison officer at HMP Parc in Bridgend.
Political Milestones and Affiliations
Jones made history in 2016 as one of seven UKIP members elected for the first time to the Welsh Assembly, the Senedd's predecessor.
During a period of internal party conflict, she became one of UKIP's three leaders in Cardiff Bay after successfully replacing former Conservative MP Neil Hamilton.
She later joined the Brexit Party and led the Independent Alliance for Reform until 2021, before volunteering as a regional manager for Reform UK.
Reactions from Political Figures
Llŷr Powell, Reform MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter):
"I have known Caroline Jones for over 15 years and I am shocked and saddened by today's news. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones at this difficult time."
"Gorffwys mewn hedd [rest in peace]"
Owain Clatworthy, a former Reform councillor in Bridgend now affiliated with Restore Britain, praised Jones' resilience and principles.
"Caroline carried herself with resilience through both political and personal challenges, always remaining true to who she was."
"Caroline believed in the importance of democracy, free speech, and standing up for ordinary people," he said.
