Dan Thomas resigns as Reform Wales leader after being arrested on suspicion of assault

Dan Thomas, the leader of Reform UK's Welsh branch, has resigned his position following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. The 45-year-old man, who hails from Aberbargoed in Caerphilly, was released without charge pending further police enquiries. Thomas was appointed as the Welsh party leader by Nigel Farage in February 2023.

In a statement released by his party, Thomas expressed his intention to stand down from his position due to personal reasons, emphasising that he had done nothing wrong and wished to avoid any distraction from the party's work in holding the government to account. He highlighted his achievements as leader, including the party's growth from zero to 34 elected members, making Reform UK the largest opposition group in Welsh history.

Thomas stated that he would continue to serve his constituents in Casnewydd Islwyn and support whoever the party selects as its next leader. Gwent Police confirmed that a man from the Aberbargoed area was arrested on Sunday, 13th September, on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, and has been released on bail.