Reform UK’s Welsh leader steps down after arrest on suspicion of assault

Dan Thomas is standing down as Reform UK’s leader in Wales for “personal reasons” after he was arrested on suspicion of controlling or coercive behaviour.

Mr Thomas was named the party’s Welsh leader in February and led Reform to become the second largest in the Senedd at an election in May.

In a statement released on Tuesday, he said he was standing down from his role leading the party in Wales but would continue as a member of the Senedd.

He said: “It has been the honour of my life to have been the leader of Reform Wales and see this party go from zero to 34 elected members and become the largest opposition group in Welsh history.

“With deep regret, I am now standing down from this position due to personal reasons.

“Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge.

“I stress that I have done nothing wrong, but I do not want the coming headlines to be a distraction from the fantastic work our Senedd team is doing in holding this government to account.

“I will continue to serve my constituents in Casnewydd Islwyn and will fully back whoever the group selects as its next leader.”

In a statement, Gwent Police said: “On Sunday 13 September a 45-year-old man, from the Aberbargoed area, was arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.”

Reform is the largest opposition group in the Welsh Parliament.

The former Conservative councillor was born and grew up in the South Wales Valleys.

He led Barnet Council from 2019 until 2022 before defecting to Reform in June last year.

He later quit as a councillor for Finchley Church End after returning to his home country with his family.