Dan Thomas quits Reform UK Wales leadership after arrest

Former Barnet Council leader Dan Thomas has stepped down as the leader of Reform UK in Wales. The resignation follows his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour, Gwent Police confirmed. Mr Thomas, who led Barnet Council between 2019 and 2022, denies any wrongdoing.

Mr Thomas was arrested on Sunday, 13 September, by Gwent Police. A spokesperson for the force stated that a 45-year-old man from the Aberbargoed area was arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

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Dan Thomas stepped down as Reform UK leader in Wales following a weekend arrest.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr Thomas said he was standing down from his leadership role for personal reasons but would continue as a Member of the Senedd for Casnewydd Islwyn. He described his time as leader of Reform Wales as an honour, noting the party's growth to 34 elected members and its position as the largest opposition group in the Welsh Parliament. He stressed that he had done nothing wrong and did not want the ensuing headlines to distract from the team's work.

Previous Barnet Council Role

Mr Thomas served as a councillor for Finchley Church End in Barnet from 2006 until 2025. He led the Conservative group on Barnet Council from 2019 to 2022. He defected to Reform UK in June last year and later resigned his Barnet council seat after returning to Wales with his family.

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Party Reaction and Defection

Following Mr Thomas's announcement, Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, a Reform UK Member of the Senedd, has defected to the governing party. Plaid Cymru stated that Ms Cooper-Lesadd cited dissatisfaction with Reform UK's focus, suggesting the party was more interested in division and headlines than finding solutions. She also indicated a general unhappiness within the Reform Senedd group.

Ken Skates, leader of Welsh Labour, described the news as incredible and stated that many questions would need to be answered, questioning the judgment of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, whom he identified as Mr Thomas's personal selection. Mims Davies, Shadow Welsh Secretary, also commented, highlighting the situation as a warning and raising concerns about Reform UK's judgment and leadership at all levels, referencing other recent controversies involving the party.

Mr Thomas was appointed leader of Reform UK in Wales in February and led the party to become the second largest group in the Senedd following a May election.