Reform UK has appointed Helen Jenner as its new Welsh leader after Dan Thomas resigned following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. Nigel Farage described the incident as a “bump in the road”, while Reform seeks to maintain momentum after becoming the second-largest party in the Senedd.

Jenner, a former deputy leader and fluent Welsh speaker, was chosen by Reform’s 33 Senedd members. The change comes amid investigations into the party’s finances, including alleged discussions about disguising foreign donations and a parliamentary standards inquiry into a £5 million gift to Farage; Reform denies wrongdoing. The party has also faced defections by councillors and Senedd member Cooper-Lesadd, while Jenner said members should have more influence over policy.