Welsh Reform leader Dan Thomas resigns following arrest

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WELSH Reform leader Dan Thomas has resigned after his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.

Selected for the role by party leader Nigel Farage, the former Tory council leader managed just seven months in post — four as Senedd leader of the opposition — before he found the exit on Tuesday.

Citing “personal reasons” for his departure, the Casnewydd Islwyn MS said: “Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge.

“I stress that I have done nothing wrong.”

In a statement, Gwent Police confirmed: “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.”

On the same evening, Welsh Reform was dealt a further blow with the defection of its newly elected MS Sarah Cooper-Lesadd to Plaid Cymru.

In a statement issued by her new party, Ms Cooper-Lesadd said: “I grew up in the care system. I stood for the Senedd to be a voice for care-experienced people, who are still badly under-represented in our politics. 

“Reform has no interest in the work I came here to do. 

“They are far more interested in division, opposition and headlines than in finding solutions.”

She continued: “I cannot support Reform’s attacks on people seeking sanctuary.

“I particularly reject the way minorities have too often been used as political targets. 

“I do not believe anyone should be scapegoated or dehumanised to win votes, and I will not be part of a politics that does that.

“The party centrally has no interest in Wales. 

“Their Senedd group is a staging post in the effort to get Nigel Farage into Downing Street.”

Welcoming her to the party, Plaid’s Senedd group chair, Marc Jones, said she “has been honest about her political journey and has acknowledged that she was wrong to believe Reform was the right political home for her.”

A Reform spokesperson said: “Plaid are welcome to her.”

On the debacle, a Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “There are serious questions about the stability of Reform and the choices being made by people elected under its banner just four months ago.

“People across Wales are facing real challenges and deserve serious, stable political leadership focused on their priorities.”

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