Former Tory Council Leader Dan Thomas Appointed as Reform UK's Wales Head
In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections, former Conservative council leader Dan Thomas has been unveiled as the new leader of Reform UK in Wales. The announcement was made by party leader Nigel Farage during a conference held at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport.
A Battle-Hardened Appointment
Mr Farage explained his decision to appoint Mr Thomas, describing him as "decent, respectable" and "battle hardened." The Reform UK leader emphasized Mr Thomas's experience in running budgets and frontline political work during his time as leader of Barnet Council from 2019 to 2022.
"I think we deserve at Reform UK here in Wales to be led by somebody who has been battle hardened, who has been there before, and will keep calm through good and bad," Mr Farage told supporters at the Newport event, which saw multiple standing ovations for both Farage and Thomas.
Returning to Welsh Roots
Dan Thomas, who was born and raised in the South Wales Valleys, spoke emotionally about his return to Wales after 27 years away. He explained that he had left for London to pursue a career in financial services while serving as a councillor and council leader, but had now returned to raise his two young sons in the "same beautiful Welsh countryside" he enjoyed as a child.
"We are fighting to win, fighting for every vote because this is the last chance for Wales," Mr Thomas declared about the upcoming Senedd elections. "We are at a turning point. We either settle for another four years of the same or we break the mould, start again and fulfil our potential. Wales is broken. Wales needs Reform."
Immigration and Housing Concerns
During his speech, Mr Thomas addressed several contentious issues, particularly focusing on housing and immigration. He claimed that houses in multiple occupation were "changing the character of our community forever" and represented a symptom of the housing crisis mainly caused by "uncontrolled immigration."
He cited specific examples from his observations, including a fight between rival barber shops and a car wash that was allegedly "the centre of a people trafficking ring." Mr Thomas drew on his experience in London, stating: "I've seen what uncontrolled immigration has done to London over the past 20 years, the pressure on public services, schools, hospitals, the congestion and the community cohesion issues."
Policy Positions and Opposition Response
Mr Thomas confirmed that Reform UK would scrap the Welsh Government's controversial 20mph speed limit, which he described as "misthought." He promised that the party would unveil an ambitious manifesto and candidates at a later date, describing the upcoming election as "a once in a lifetime opportunity" to replace Welsh Labour in Cardiff Bay.
The appointment has drawn sharp criticism from rival parties. Welsh Labour responded by stating that the defection of former Conservative Senedd member James Evans and Mr Thomas's appointment showed Reform was "led by Tories." A spokesperson added: "Ultimately it doesn't matter who is named as Reform's leader in Wales. They will just be Nigel Farage's puppet, doing his bidding from Westminster and silencing the voices of the people of Wales."
Strong Reactions from Political Rivals
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth was particularly scathing, describing Mr Thomas as Nigel Farage's "lapdog." He argued: "It doesn't matter who Farage has selected to represent him. The so-called leader's sole responsibility will be to get Nigel Farage into No 10 Downing Street, because for Reform, Wales is nothing but a stepping stone."
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds also criticized the appointment, noting: "Even Nigel Farage thinks that Reform candidates in Wales aren't up to the job – that's why he's appointed a councillor from London as leader. Dan Thomas built his political career as a Conservative council leader in England. The same people who trashed our economy and hollowed out public services should not be trusted to reinvent themselves and lecture Wales about change."
Looking Ahead to May Elections
As the political landscape in Wales prepares for the May 7 Senedd elections, Mr Thomas referred to Reform's supporters as "the people's army" and emphasized the party's determination to challenge the established political order. With his background in Conservative politics and recent defection to Reform UK in June last year, Mr Thomas represents a significant figure in what promises to be a fiercely contested election campaign that could reshape Welsh politics.
