Leader of Reform Wales steps down

Sep 15

2 min read

Bald suited man at podium with Leader badge before Welsh flag; headline says STEPS DOWN - PERSONAL REASONS, red text: LEADER RESIGNS

Dan Thomas has stepped down as leader of Reform UK in Wales, citing personal reasons after being arrested over the weekend.

In a statement released on 15 September 2026, Thomas said it had been “the honour of my life” to lead the party as it grew from no seats to 34 members of the Senedd, becoming the largest opposition group in Welsh history. He added that he was standing down “with deep regret” to avoid becoming a distraction.

“Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge,” Thomas said. “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.” He confirmed he would remain the Member of the Senedd for Casnewydd Islwyn and support whoever the group chooses as its next leader.

Gwent Police confirmed that a 45-year-old man from the Aberbargoed area was arrested on Sunday 13 September on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour. He was bailed pending further inquiries. Police did not name the individual, but the details match Thomas’s statement.

Thomas was already absent from First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd earlier on Tuesday. Deputy leader Helen Jenner stood in for him as the party challenged Plaid Cymru First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth. A Reform spokesman had described the absence as being for “personal reasons.”

Thomas, a former Conservative leader of Barnet Council in London, defected to Reform UK in June 2025 and was appointed Welsh leader by Nigel Farage in February 2026. Under his leadership, Reform won 34 of 96 seats in the May 2026 Senedd election, making it the official opposition to Plaid Cymru’s government. He had previously spoken of returning to his Welsh valleys roots after years in London.

The resignation comes four months after Reform’s strong showing in the expanded Senedd. The party will now select a new leader for its largest-ever group in Cardiff Bay while Thomas continues to represent his constituents.