# If you’re wondering what a Reform government might look like, just look at its chaotic record in Wales | Will Hayward

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/if-youre-wondering-what-a-reform-government-might-look-like-just-look-at-its-chaotic-record-in-wales-will-hayward/
- Published: 2026-11-13T13:35:49+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T14:39:16+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/nov/13/reform-uk-government-wales-senedd-chaotic-record
- Topics: Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Reform UK became the Senedd’s official opposition in May 2026.
- Reform members were absent from 31 of 100 committee meetings.
- Sources describe tight controls and limited contact with outsiders.

## Summary

Reform UK became the Senedd’s official opposition in May 2026, making its conduct in Wales a potential indication of how it might govern nationally. Will Hayward argues that the party’s record so far raises questions about whether it is prepared to act as a serious opposition.

An investigation based on interviews with anonymous Senedd members and staff found that at least one Reform member missed 31 of 100 committee meetings between 8 May and 21 October, compared with between one and nine absences for each other party. Sources also described restricted contact with certain organisations and journalists, and a Welsh party constitution requiring Nigel Farage’s permission to work with another party. The article also notes that Welsh leader Dan Thomas resigned after being arrested and released on bail over allegations he denied, and that one member defected to Plaid Cymru.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.