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2 clusters · 4 sources · 3 days · First seen 13 days ago · Last updated 11 days ago

Welsh political defection from Reform UK to Plaid Cymru

Overview

Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, a Member of the Senedd representing Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg, defected from Reform UK to join Plaid Cymru. Cooper-Lesadd, a former Conservative, criticized Reform UK for having ‘no interest in Wales’ and accused the party of prioritizing headlines and division over Welsh solutions. She also cited a lack of internal discipline regarding accusations of racism against fellow MS Joe Martin as a reason for her departure. Reform UK Wales indicated they had planned to expel her due to her support for Welsh independence.

Following the defection, Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice accused Cooper-Lesadd of “deliberately misleading” the party about her political beliefs. Tice questioned her transition from a unionist to a separatist and from supporting border defense to advocating for a “nation of sanctuary.” Additionally, Reform MS Jason O’Connell was reprimanded by the Senedd’s Deputy Presiding Officer for making inappropriate, sarcastic remarks about Cooper-Lesadd during a plenary session.

Entities

Plaid Cymru · Sarah Cooper-Lesadd · Reform UK · Senedd · Dan Thomas

Timeline

11 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Richard Tice accuses defector Sarah Cooper-Lesadd of lying about political views
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice accused defector Sarah Cooper-Lesadd of lying about her political beliefs after she left the party to join Plaid Cymru.
13 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Sarah Cooper-Lesadd defects from Reform UK to join Plaid Cymru
Senedd member Sarah Cooper-Lesadd has defected from Reform UK to join Plaid Cymru, citing Reform's lack of interest in Welsh issues and its focus on UK-wide political headlines.

Sources

ca.sports.yahoo.com · golwg.360.cymru · nation.cymru · uk.news.yahoo.com