Full Breakdown
Reform UK Wales Names Helen Jenner as New Leader Amid Leadership Turmoil
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Leadership Change After Dan Thomas Resignation
Reform UK’s Welsh group installed Helen Jenner as its leader on 21 September 2026 after former leader Dan Thomas stepped down following his arrest on suspicion of assault and coercive behaviour. The party’s Senedd members elected Jenner in a vote that also left the deputy-leader post vacant, prompting a subsequent election for that role.
Background & Context
Reform UK became the second-largest opposition grouping in the Senedd after the May 2026 election, winning 34 seats. Dan Thomas, who had led the party since February 2026, resigned a week later when Gwent Police reported his arrest on 15 September. Thomas was released on bail and denied any wrongdoing, saying he did not want the case to distract the party’s work. The shake-up coincided with the defection of MS Sarah Cooper-Lesadd to Plaid Cymru, reducing the party’s Senedd count to 33.
Key Figures & Groups
- Helen Jenner – MS for Bangor Conwy Môn, former deputy leader.
- Dan Thomas – MS for Casnewydd Islwyn, former Reform Wales leader.
- Laura Anne Jones – MS for Sir Fynwy Torfaen, elected deputy leader on 21 September 2026.
- Nigel Farage – Leader of Reform UK, announced Jenner’s appointment.
- Gwent Police – Provided the arrest details for Thomas.
Timeline
- 22 July 2025 – Laura Anne Jones defects from the Welsh Conservatives to Reform UK.
- May 2026 – Reform UK wins 34 Senedd seats.
- 15 September 2026 – Gwent Police arrest Dan Thomas; he is released on bail.
- 21 September 2026 – Nigel Farage announces Helen Jenner as Reform Wales leader; MS vote confirms her.
Data & Statistics
- Reform’s Senedd representation fell from 34 to 33 members after Cooper-Lesadd’s defection.
- A YouGov poll for ITV Wales released after the leadership change placed Reform at 19 % support in Wales, down seven points since May, while Labour rose to 18 % and Plaid Cymru led at 27 %.
- The same poll showed Reform at 27 % in the Senedd vote, down from 29 % in May.
Official Statements & Responses
Gwent Police confirmed the arrest of a 45-year-old man on suspicion of assault and controlling behaviour, naming Thomas as the subject. Thomas said he was released without charge and had “done nothing wrong,” stressing the need to keep the focus on the party’s scrutiny of the Welsh Government.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of Reform MS after the defection: some report 34 seats, others 33. Additionally, while most reports state that only Helen Jenner stood for the leadership, one account notes that Jason O’Connell unexpectedly contested the vote, a detail not confirmed by all outlets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m thrilled to have the support of my fantastic colleagues to lead Reform here in Wales.” — Helen Jenner
- “It's not an ideal situation, in the sense that I didn't expect Dan Thomas to stand down, we were a good team,” — Helen Jenner
What’s Next
The deputy-leader election is scheduled for the Tuesday following 21 September 2026, and Reform plans to unveil a full shadow cabinet by the end of the week. The party will also monitor the police investigation into Thomas, which remains ongoing.