Dan Thomas Appointed as Reform UK's Welsh Leader Ahead of Crucial Senedd Election
Published 5 February 2026
Highlights
- Dan Thomas, a former Tory councillor, has been appointed as Reform UK's Welsh leader by Nigel Farage.
- Thomas, originally from Blackwood, aims to challenge Labour's dominance in the upcoming Senedd election on 7 May.
- Farage emphasized Thomas's experience and connection to Wales, describing him as "battle hardened."
- James Evans, a former Tory Senedd member, has also joined Reform UK, increasing its presence in Welsh politics.
- Reform UK is positioning itself as a significant contender in Wales, with polls indicating potential gains.
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Rewritten Article
Dan Thomas Appointed as Reform UK's Welsh Leader Ahead of Crucial Senedd Election
In a strategic move that could reshape Welsh politics, Nigel Farage has announced Dan Thomas as the new leader of Reform UK in Wales. The announcement was made at a rally in Newport, where Farage introduced Thomas to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters. Thomas, a former Conservative leader of Barnet council, has returned to his roots in Blackwood, Caerphilly, to spearhead Reform UK's campaign in the upcoming Senedd election on 7 May.
A Return to Roots
Thomas, who has deep familial ties to the Welsh valleys, expressed his commitment to challenging Labour's long-standing influence in Wales. "With you, the people's army, Reform will be the change that Wales desperately needs," he declared. His background in financial services and local government in London has equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of Welsh politics.
Building Momentum
The rally also saw the introduction of James Evans, a former Tory Senedd member, who has defected to Reform UK. Evans's move underscores a growing trend of Conservative defections to Reform, as the party seeks to capitalize on discontent with Labour's leadership. Farage praised Thomas's leadership qualities, stating, "I think we deserve Reform UK, here in Wales, to be led by somebody who's been battle hardened."
A New Political Landscape
Opinion polls suggest that Reform UK is poised to make significant gains in the Senedd election, potentially disrupting the political status quo. Farage's choice of Thomas, described as "decent" and "respectable," reflects a strategic effort to present a credible alternative to Welsh voters. Thomas's campaign will focus on a positive, ambitious manifesto, aiming to connect with communities across Wales.
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Scenario Analysis
As the Senedd election approaches, Reform UK's strategy under Dan Thomas's leadership will be closely scrutinized. If successful, the party could significantly alter the political landscape in Wales, challenging Labour's dominance. The defection of key figures like James Evans highlights a potential shift in political allegiances, which could influence future election outcomes. Experts suggest that Reform UK's ability to maintain momentum will depend on its capacity to address local issues and resonate with Welsh voters. With Farage's backing, Thomas's leadership will be pivotal in determining the party's success in the upcoming election.
In a strategic move that could reshape Welsh politics, Nigel Farage has announced Dan Thomas as the new leader of Reform UK in Wales. The announcement was made at a rally in Newport, where Farage introduced Thomas to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters. Thomas, a former Conservative leader of Barnet council, has returned to his roots in Blackwood, Caerphilly, to spearhead Reform UK's campaign in the upcoming Senedd election on 7 May.
A Return to Roots
Thomas, who has deep familial ties to the Welsh valleys, expressed his commitment to challenging Labour's long-standing influence in Wales. "With you, the people's army, Reform will be the change that Wales desperately needs," he declared. His background in financial services and local government in London has equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of Welsh politics.
Building Momentum
The rally also saw the introduction of James Evans, a former Tory Senedd member, who has defected to Reform UK. Evans's move underscores a growing trend of Conservative defections to Reform, as the party seeks to capitalize on discontent with Labour's leadership. Farage praised Thomas's leadership qualities, stating, "I think we deserve Reform UK, here in Wales, to be led by somebody who's been battle hardened."
A New Political Landscape
Opinion polls suggest that Reform UK is poised to make significant gains in the Senedd election, potentially disrupting the political status quo. Farage's choice of Thomas, described as "decent" and "respectable," reflects a strategic effort to present a credible alternative to Welsh voters. Thomas's campaign will focus on a positive, ambitious manifesto, aiming to connect with communities across Wales.
What this might mean
As the Senedd election approaches, Reform UK's strategy under Dan Thomas's leadership will be closely scrutinized. If successful, the party could significantly alter the political landscape in Wales, challenging Labour's dominance. The defection of key figures like James Evans highlights a potential shift in political allegiances, which could influence future election outcomes. Experts suggest that Reform UK's ability to maintain momentum will depend on its capacity to address local issues and resonate with Welsh voters. With Farage's backing, Thomas's leadership will be pivotal in determining the party's success in the upcoming election.
