Reform UK’s Turbulent Debut as Official Opposition in the Welsh Senedd

In the May 2026 Welsh election, Reform UK increased its vote share from 1 % in 2021 to 29 % and captured over one-third of the seats in the expanded Senedd, becoming the official opposition. Plaid Cymru formed a minority government, ending a century of Labour dominance.

The Guardian

Reform UK’s Welsh team is led by Dan Thomas. MS Joe Martins (Caerdydd Penarth) has made contentious statements. Chief whip Llyr Powell defends the party’s approach. Nigel Farage remains the national decision-maker. Labour MS Shav Taj has responded publicly.

The Guardian

During first-minister’s questions, Martins claimed only Sudanese refugees commit violent crimes, warned of “the next inevitable attack,” and made claims about Welsh students and Indian nurses. The remarks provoked a walkout by Plaid Cymru, Labour and Green members, a Plaid Cymru complaint and a rebuke from Senedd llywydd. Powell later told BBC colleagues should “get used to it.”

The Guardian

Thomas said Reform Wales works within Senedd rules, focusing on “reasoned, evidence-based arguments” and raising under-represented perspectives. The chief whip framed criticism as a normal adjustment to new voices. The Senedd’s presiding officer rebuked Martins for breaching standards. A Reform-backed motion for a statutory lobbying register passed with cross-party support.

The Guardian

Labour MS Taj called the chamber “a circus,” linking Reform’s rhetoric to immigration experience. Plaid Cymru members called the discourse “inflammatory and dangerous.” Green and Labour representatives joined the walkout, showing opposition. Observers warned Reform’s net-zero opposition could make its climate committee chairmanship “ugly.”

The Guardian

Sources disagree on why Reform MSs voted against their own party on a childcare amendment; journalist Will Hayward suggested accidental voting, but no official explanation was given. The number of former Conservative defectors in Reform’s Welsh group is unclear, though all but two members are new to the Senedd.

The Guardian

• “It is unsurprising that new voices challenging longstanding consensus are drawing criticism from the establishment,” — Dan Thomas, Reform UK Wales leader

The Guardian

• “I didn’t hear anything I thought went over the line … Get used to it. It’s the ‘new norm’ are the words I use,” — Llyr Powell, Reform UK chief whip

The Guardian

• “Taj said: “The Senedd is a circus at the moment.” — Shav Taj, Labour MS

The Guardian

• “Chaos or bad behaviour in the Senedd doesn’t sell well, even to the Reform base, because whilst people are prepared to consider Reform as a populist insurgent party, having the keys to No 10 is completely different,” — Laura McAllister, professor of public policy, Cardiff University

The Guardian

• “I strongly suspect that the 11 who voted against their own party either didn’t understand the motion or accidentally voted the wrong way.” — Will Hayward, political journalist

The Guardian

Plaid Cymru’s minority government must secure support to pass a budget next month, with Reform offering no backing. Reform will chair five of the 13 Senedd committees, including the climate change committee, and has scheduled a debate on Wales’s “nation of sanctuary” programme for next week. The party’s ability to balance populist rhetoric with procedural duties will affect its standing in the term.

The Guardian