The Welsh Conservative leader has taken decisive action, dismissing a senior politician from his team and removing the party whip after allegations emerged of discussions about switching sides to Reform UK.
Shadow Minister Dismissed After Failing to Give '100% Commitment'
James Evans, the Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire, has been sacked from his role as shadow cabinet secretary for health and social care. The decision was made by Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
Mr Millar stated that the dismissal came after it became clear Mr Evans could not provide a full and unequivocal commitment to the Conservative party. This was despite the politician having previously assured his leader that he had rejected an approach from the rival Reform party.
A Growing Trend of Tory Defections
This incident is not isolated. It forms part of a concerning pattern for the Conservatives, who have recently witnessed several high-profile figures defect to Reform UK.
The most notable names include former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who was recently heckled during his first constituency speech since his defection, and MP Andrew Rosindell. These moves have signalled a significant rupture on the right of British politics and have intensified internal party tensions.
Consequences and Political Fallout
The immediate consequence for James Evans is his removal from the Welsh shadow cabinet and the loss of the Conservative whip, effectively leaving him as an independent politician in the Senedd.
For the wider Conservative party, this episode underscores the ongoing threat posed by Reform UK. It highlights the challenge of maintaining unity and loyalty among its representatives, particularly in areas where electoral pressure from the right is mounting. The sacking serves as a stark warning to other potentially wavering Tory members about the consequences of engaging with their rivals.
