Helen Jenner takes over as Reform UK leader in Wales after Dan Thomas steps down

Helen Jenner has been elected as Reform UK’s new leader in Wales after Dan Thomas stepped down following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.

Jenner, previously the party’s deputy leader in Wales, was chosen by Reform colleagues. She represents Bangor Conwy Môn in the Senedd and has previously been associated with the Brexit Party and Ukip.

Thomas remains a Senedd member and has been bailed pending further inquiries, according to Gwent police. He denies wrongdoing and said he was released without charge. He has not been charged in relation to the allegations.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described Thomas’s departure as a “bump in the road” and said the party would continue its work. Reform plans to hold an election for a new Welsh deputy leader; the identity of the other candidate in the leadership contest was not made public.

Jenner takes charge after Reform became the second-largest party in the Senedd elections earlier this year. The party has also lost Senedd member Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, who defected to Plaid Cymru.