A senior Welsh Conservative politician has been dramatically expelled from the party after it was revealed he was in talks to defect to Reform UK.
Whip Withdrawn and Shadow Cabinet Role Axed
James Evans, the Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire, has been stripped of the Conservative whip and removed from his position in the Welsh shadow cabinet. The decisive action was taken by Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
In a statement posted on social media, Mr Millar confirmed he had dismissed Mr Evans after learning the MS was "continuing to engage" with representatives from Reform regarding a potential switch. This was despite Mr Evans giving personal assurances just days earlier that he had rejected an approach from the rival party.
Leader's Disappointment and a Pattern of Defections
"Understandably, I expect all Welsh Conservative MSs and candidates to be 100 per cent committed to our party and our plan to fix Wales," Mr Millar stated. "Regrettably, James was unable to give me that commitment." Mr Evans had served as the shadow cabinet secretary for health and social care prior to his dismissal.
This incident is not isolated. It follows a series of high-profile defections from the Conservatives to Reform UK at the Westminster level. Last week, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch pre-emptively sacked former shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick hours before he publicly joined Nigel Farage's party. He was swiftly followed by Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, who announced his defection on Monday.
Political Fallout and Reputational Warnings
The defections have triggered fierce criticism from within Conservative ranks. Former cabinet minister Michael Gove warned that Mr Jenrick's reputation would be scarred by his "treachery," suggesting his scathing attack on his former party would cause lasting damage.
While Ms Badenoch has insisted Mr Jenrick's departure would bring stability, allies are concerned that Nigel Farage's public call for potential defectors to act before the 7 May local elections could trigger further exits. Reform already has one Member of the Senedd, Laura Anne Jones, who defected from the Conservatives in July. The expulsion of James Evans underscores the ongoing challenge Reform UK poses to Conservative unity across the United Kingdom.
