Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice has levelled accusations that the party's former Senedd Member Sarah Cooper-Lesadd misrepresented her political convictions before switching to Plaid Cymru. The defection came after a turbulent period for Reform in Wales, marked by the resignation of its Welsh leader following arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.
Cooper-Lesadd, who represented the Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg constituency after her election in May, announced her departure from Reform by criticising the party as being "far more interested in division, opposition and headlines than in finding solutions". She declared her support for Welsh independence and revealed she had voted to Remain in the 2016 EU referendum.
According to reports of the formal approval process, Cooper-Lesadd's move to Plaid Cymru was endorsed by Plaid's Senedd group and national executive, bringing Plaid's total to 44 Members of the Senedd and reducing Reform's representation to 33 seats. The shift altered the balance of power in the chamber following May's election, when Reform had emerged as a significant opposition force in Wales.
Cooper-Lesadd had previously served as Reform UK Wales' Shadow Minister for Children, Young People and Skills before her defection. She also expressed her intention to be "a voice for care-experienced people" as part of her political repositioning. In a further break with her previous political alignment, she resigned as editor of the Journal of the Freedom Association following the switch, underscoring the ideological distance between her former and current political homes.
Tice expressed bewilderment at Cooper-Lesadd's transformation, questioning how the party's vetting procedures could have failed to identify such fundamental differences.
If someone deliberately misleads you, and fibs to you, and lies to you, then it doesn't matter how much vetting you do.He continued by asking:
How can you turn from being a unionist to a separatist? How can you turn from being someone who believes in defending our borders to want to open the borders and become a nation of sanctuary? The whole thing's absurd.
When pressed on his own role in the vetting process, Tice acknowledged that Reform makes rapid decisions and judgements, attributing the party's swift growth to its second-largest status in Wales.
We make lots of brilliant, fast-moving decisions and judgements. That's why we've grown to be the second-largest party in Wales so quickly from a standing start. We never claim that we're perfect. You know, we're real people.
What did Plaid Cymru say about the defection?
Plaid Cymru rejected Tice's characterisation of Cooper-Lesadd's conduct. A party spokesperson stated that
Sarah has been honest about her political journey and has acknowledged that her views have changed since she first entered politics.According to reports of Plaid's internal approval process, the Senedd group and National Executive decided to admit her following a formal review, with group chair Marc Jones welcoming her to the party.
What is the context of Reform's leadership crisis?
The defection occurred during a period of significant turbulence for Reform in Wales. Dan Thomas, the party's Welsh leader, stepped down after being arrested on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. Thomas maintained his innocence but said he did not wish to become a distraction to the party. He was released on bail and has not been suspended from the party, allowing him to retain his position as a Member of the Senedd while Gwent Police continues its investigation.
Helen Jenner, Reform's deputy leader in Wales, is widely expected to assume the leadership role in the coming week. Tice declined to formally confirm Jenner's appointment, stating only that whoever becomes leader will receive approval from him and UK leader Nigel Farage.
How has Reform responded to the turmoil?
Despite the upheaval surrounding Cooper-Lesadd's departure and Thomas's resignation, Tice insisted that Reform's Senedd Members have remained focused on their policy priorities. He highlighted the party's continued emphasis on issues including the housing of asylum seekers, small boat crossings in the English Channel, and opposition to the 20mph speed limit in Wales.
Tice characterised the period as a normal part of political life, noting that
Life is work in progress. Life moves at different paces, and you have sometimes good days, you have sometimes bad days.He emphasised Reform's position as the second-largest party in the Senedd by a considerable margin and stressed that its representatives continue to work on behalf of their constituents.
What happens next for Reform Wales?
The party is expected to confirm a new leader within the coming week, with Jenner positioned as the frontrunner for the role. The leadership transition will occur as Reform seeks to stabilise its position in the Senedd following the high-profile defection and the circumstances surrounding Thomas's departure.
