Reform UK is focusing on its prospects in Wales following recent election successes in England. The party achieved its first victory in a parliamentary by-election and won a mayoral contest, indicating potential growth ahead of upcoming votes, including the next Senedd election in 2026.
The question of appointing a specific leader for Reform UK in Wales has been characterized as a "distraction" by Llyr Powell, who handles the party's communications there. Powell stated that Nigel Farage is the leader of the party overall.
Powell indicated on a Welsh radio program that while various candidates will contest seats in Wales, there is no immediate plan to appoint a designated leader for the country. The discussion took place on Radio Cymru's breakfast programme Dros Frecwast.
Reform UK secured its first seat in the UK Parliament by defeating Labour in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency. The party also saw wins in local contests, such as the inaugural mayoral election in Greater Lincolnshire, where a candidate previously aligned with the Conservative party won under the Reform banner. Reform won its first Parliamentary by-election.
Party leader Nigel Farage commented that Reform is now preparing for elections next year, including those in Wales. He suggested that polls indicate the party could challenge to be the largest political force in competing to be the biggest party in Wales.
Oliver Lewis, who previously represented Reform in Wales as a spokesperson, will not be a candidate next year. Farage recently refused to be drawn on whether a specific Welsh leader would be appointed before the Senedd vote.
Caroline Jones, who chairs Reform operations in the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, described the recent election outcomes as "astounding." She stated she looks forward to the Senedd elections and believes the party will perform well in Wales.
Reactions from opposition parties followed the results. Mims Davies, Conservative shadow Welsh secretary at Westminster, noted that Reform faces the test of moving from a protest group to a party capable of governing and delivering services.
Labour Senedd member Mick Antoniw called the Runcorn result a warning for the Labour party. He suggested that voter sentiment reflects dissatisfaction with the Conservatives but also a feeling that Labour has not yet offered inspiration or change.
"It is really early days for \the UK\ Labour government," Antoniw said, noting the economic situation and international events. However, he added, the "warning bells" were ringing, and the party needed to "think carefully."
