Actor Profile

Reform UK Wales

Welsh branch of Reform UK, contesting the 2026 Senedd election with ambitions to become the largest party. Has two MSs (Laura Anne Jones and James Evans, both defectors from the Conservatives).

Back
Anti-Devolutionorganisation

Why Included?

Polling as one of the two largest parties for 2026; primary challenger to the progressive bloc of Labour and Plaid

Statements

2021 Senedd manifesto - Contract with the People of Wales

2021-05-01

Reform UK contested the 2021 election with a moderated stance on devolution.

Said devolution is not working but ruled out cancelling it, proposing restructuring that would weaken the Senedd while keeping a devolved executive.

Direct quotes

  • "Devolution is not working at the moment. But we would not support cancelling devolution."

Reform UK national conference, Birmingham

2025-09-05

Laura Anne Jones used her speech to stake out the party's Welsh stance with elections approaching.

Said the party would make the Senedd work but would question its value if it fails, while not ruling anything out.

Direct quotes

  • "We need to try and make the Senedd work for the people of Wales, but if it doesn't, we need to question whether the Senedd is really adding value to Wales."
  • "As a party we are not ruling anything out."

Nigel Farage press conference, Caerphilly

2025-09-12

Press conference aimed at stabilising messaging after internal remarks.

Blamed Labour failures for disillusionment and said he would not call for abolition, stressing acceptance of devolution.

Direct quotes

  • "There are some people in Wales who are very disillusioned with devolution. What they're disillusioned with is the failure of Labour, over 26 years, to make devolution work."
  • "You will not hear a word from me about getting rid of the Senedd. We have to accept the facts of life as they are, devolution has happened."

Reform UK Wales launch event, Newport

2026-02-05

Launch event announcing Dan Thomas as Welsh leader and a second Conservative defection.

Introduced Dan Thomas as Welsh leader and highlighted economic grievance messaging, with a second Conservative defection to the party.

Direct quotes

  • "I was born and raised in the Welsh Valleys, where my family lived for generations. My granddad was a miner, as was his dad before him."
  • "For many Welshmen and women, good opportunities in Wales are few and far between."

Reform UK Welsh manifesto launch

2026-03-05

Manifesto launch two months before the 2026 election with Reform polling competitively.

Focused on populist policy promises and avoided abolition, framing the election as a referendum on UK Labour.

Direct quotes

  • "This is not inevitable, it is the result of political failure. For more than a century, Labour, propped up by Plaid Cymru in recent years, have dominated Welsh politics."
  • "The Conservatives have claimed to be the alternative. All have failed to deliver what Wales needs."
Back