Reform UK is expected to name Helen Jenner as its new Welsh leader, replacing Dan Thomas who stepped down following his arrest on suspicion of assault. Senior figures within the party have indicated their backing for Jenner, who currently serves as Reform's deputy leader in Wales and represents the Bangor Conwy Môn constituency in the Senedd.
Thomas resigned after being arrested on 13 September on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. According to reports from the time, Gwent Police arrested him and subsequently released him on bail pending further inquiries. He has maintained his innocence and stated he did not want the police case to distract from the party's parliamentary work. Despite his resignation as leader, Thomas continues to hold his seat as MS for Casnewydd Islwyn.
Jenner, a former English teacher born in Neath and raised on Anglesey, has not yet made a public statement about her intentions to take the role. She was acting as interim leader of the Senedd group as the party began its succession process.
How will the new leader be chosen?
The selection process will depend on the number of candidates who come forward. Reform's Senedd group was expected to meet on Thursday morning to determine whether a vote would be required or if a successor could be appointed directly. If multiple candidates stand, the party will conduct a secret ballot among Reform MSs rather than holding a wider membership vote.
James Evans, the party's health spokesperson, announced on Wednesday that although he had majority support within the group, he had decided not to stand after consulting with his family.
Who is Helen Jenner?
Jenner is a Welsh speaker who has been active in right-wing politics for several years. She stood as a candidate for the Brexit Party at the 2019 UK general election and was previously a member of UKIP during the period when Nigel Farage led the party. Farage, now leader of Reform UK, appointed Thomas to the Welsh leadership role in February.
In a podcast interview during the summer, Jenner discussed how Farage's political activism had inspired her own engagement with politics.
It was seeing him, and then watching his YouTube clips in the European Parliament and everything: I've never seen anybody so animated. I felt he was really principled and I suddenly thought 'oh, I actually care about politics now'.
Jenner also revealed that she had faced online criticism for attending the National Eisteddfod, with some commentators claiming she had no right to participate because of her membership of Reform.
What happens next?
The leadership selection process was expected to be completed by the end of September. Thomas's departure marks a significant moment for Reform, which has become the largest opposition group in the Senedd since entering Welsh politics. His appointment by Farage in February represented the party's growing influence in Welsh politics, and his successor will inherit leadership of a substantial parliamentary presence.
