Helen Jenner unveiled as Reform UK’s new leader in Wales after arrest of Dan Thomas

Reform UK has named Helen Jenner as its new leader in Wales, following the departure of her predecessor. The change comes after a tumultuous period for the party's Senedd group, which has faced high-profile departures, police investigations, and internal friction.

According to reporting by The Guardian, Helen Jenner was unveiled on the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff by party leader Nigel Farage on Monday, 21 September 2026. Jenner, who previously served as deputy leader and represents Bangor Conwy Môn, stepped into the role after a vote among the party's Senedd members. She defeated rival candidate Jason O'Connell in a contest described by sources as close, as reported by the BBC.

Media additions

The leadership vacancy arose after Dan Thomas stood down from the post. Gwent Police confirmed that a man from the Aberbargoed area was arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, and was subsequently bailed pending further enquiries. Thomas issued a statement insisting he had done nothing wrong and stating that he did not want headlines to distract from the party's work, though Farage noted that continuing as leader had become untenable due to domestic disputes. Thomas remains a member of the Welsh parliament.

Farage downplayed the transition during his appearance in Cardiff, characterizing the disruption as a "bump in the road" and suggesting the party would carry on as if nothing has happened while awaiting Thomas's potential return to active party duties. This sentiment was echoed across several outlets, with HuffPost UK noting that Farage praised Thomas's competence despite the ongoing police investigation.

The leadership change forms part of a broader sequence of disruptions for Reform UK in Wales and Westminster. As detailed by inkl, the party has also grappled with declining momentum in opinion polls over the summer months. Furthermore, the leadership transition coincided with the defection of Senedd member Sarah Cooper-Lesadd to Plaid Cymru. Cooper-Lesadd stated that Reform was overly focused on division and headlines, while Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice accused her of misrepresenting her political beliefs—an assertion disputed by Plaid Cymru.

Political opponents were quick to criticize the party's internal stability. A Welsh Labour spokesperson told The Hereford Times that the resignation and defection raised serious questions about Reform's ability to deliver for voters. Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru MS Rebeca Phillips argued that the leadership changes showed Reform was disconnected from the actual priorities of people in Wales.

Jenner's appointment brings a familiar figure to the top job. A fluent Welsh speaker born in Neath and raised on Anglesey, she has a long history with Farage's political projects, having been a member since the Ukip era and a Brexit Party candidate in the 2019 Senedd election. Following her appointment, Jenner told reporters that she aims to give ordinary members a greater say in policy and focus on preparing the party for future governmental ambitions, while acknowledging that taking over under these circumstances was surreal.

The party's leadership challenges in Wales run parallel to wider scrutiny at the national level. Al Jazeera and dailymail.com reported that Farage faces ongoing parliamentary inquiries regarding undeclared donations, alongside Metropolitan Police investigations into fundraising practices. Reform has consistently denied any wrongdoing across all inquiries.

What to Watch Next

• Reform UK is scheduled to hold a vote to elect a new deputy leader in Wales to fill the vacancy left by Jenner's promotion.
• The party is preparing for local government elections across Wales, targeting council seats in the upcoming electoral cycle.
• Dan Thomas remains a member of the Senedd while police inquiries continue, with party leadership leaving open the possibility of his future return to active parliamentary roles.

For ongoing updates on regional politics, consult our dedicated Politics coverage or review earlier reports on the leadership election and the initial resignation of Dan Thomas.