# Reform UK leadership change in Wales

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/reform-uk-leadership-change-in-wales
> Updated: 2026-09-23T17:57:57.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

Dan Thomas resigned as the leader of Reform UK in Wales following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. While Thomas maintained he had done nothing wrong and was released without charge, he stepped down for “personal reasons” to avoid becoming a “distraction” to the party’s work in the Senedd. He remains a member of the Senedd.

Following his resignation, the party appointed Helen Jenner, a former deputy leader and Member of the Senedd for Bangor Conwy Mon, as the new leader. Jenner, a fluent Welsh speaker, now leads the largest opposition group in the Senedd, which secured 34 seats during the May elections. Nigel Farage, the UK leader of Reform UK, characterized the leadership transition as a “bump in the road” and expressed confidence in Jenner.

As part of the leadership transition, Jenner has announced her Shadow Cabinet. Laura Anne Jones, previously named deputy leader, has been appointed Shadow Cabinet Minister for Food, Farming and Agriculture. Benjamin Hodge McKenna has been named Shadow Cabinet Minister for Health and Prevention. 

Additionally, James Evans is stepping down from his role as the party’s health spokesperson to focus on developing national policy for agriculture, food, the environment, and rural affairs, while maintaining his position as Chair of the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Reform UK Wales leader Helen Jenner announces Shadow Cabinet

Reform UK Wales leader Helen Jenner has announced her new Shadow Cabinet, including a policy shift for James Evans toward agriculture and rural affairs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/reform-uk-wales-leader-helen-jenner-announces-shadow-cabinet

### 2026-09-21: Helen Jenner elected leader of Reform UK Wales

Helen Jenner has been elected leader of Reform UK in Wales, replacing Dan Thomas, who resigned following an arrest on suspicion of assault and coercive behaviour.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/helen-jenner-named-new-reform-uk-leader-in-wales

### 2026-09-15: Dan Thomas resigns as Reform UK leader in Wales after arrest

Reform UK's Welsh leader Dan Thomas has resigned following an arrest for suspected assault and coercive behaviour. Thomas maintains his innocence and cited a desire to avoid distracting the party.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dan-thomas-resigns-as-reform-uk-leader-in-wales-after-arrest

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Cite as: Reform UK leadership change in Wales. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/reform-uk-leadership-change-in-wales