Helen Jenner Likely to Succeed Arrested Dan Thomas as Reform Wales Leader

Helen Jenner is widely expected to take over as the leader of Reform in Wales, succeeding Dan Thomas after he stepped down following his arrest over the weekend, according to sources who spoke with BBC Wales. Very senior figures within the party have reportedly backed Jenner, who currently serves as Reform's deputy Welsh leader and interim leader.

Thomas resigned from the leadership position after being arrested and subsequently bailed by police on suspicion of assault and controlling coercive behaviour. Through statements reported by the BBC, Thomas maintains that he has done nothing wrong. Despite stepping down from the leadership role, Thomas has not been suspended by the party and continues to sit in the Senedd as the Member of the Senedd for Casnewydd Islwyn.

Jenner, who represents Bangor Conwy Môn as an MS, has not yet publicly commented on her leadership intentions. The transition comes amidst internal discussions within the party regarding the selection process. If multiple candidates put themselves forward for the role, a secret ballot of Reform MSs is expected to take place, though party members will not vote on the leadership.

Other potential contenders have already begun to rule themselves out. Chief whip Llŷr Powell confirmed to BBC Wales that he will not stand for the leadership position. Meanwhile, the party's health spokesperson, James Evans, stated on Wednesday that he believed he held majority support within the group, but ultimately decided against running after consulting his family.

Dan Thomas was originally appointed to the Reform Wales leadership post in February by party leader Nigel Farage. The potential appointment of Jenner would mark a distinct geographical milestone in Welsh politics. As a politician representing a northern constituency, Jenner's confirmation would mean that, for the first time since devolution began in 1999, every single party group in the Senedd would be led by politicians originating from or representing north Wales.

Born in the south Wales town of Neath and raised on the island of Anglesey, Jenner is a former English teacher and a Welsh speaker. Her political background includes standing for the Brexit Party during the 2019 UK general election, as well as previous membership in UKIP when it was led by Nigel Farage. Speaking previously on the BBC Walescast podcast, Jenner credited Farage with inspiring her political engagement after watching his appearances in the European Parliament.

During that same podcast episode, Jenner also discussed the polarization surrounding her political alignment, recounting how online critics told her she had no right to attend the National Eisteddfod because of her membership in Reform.

As the party navigates the leadership transition, no official announcement regarding the permanent successor to Dan Thomas is expected on Friday. Further developments depend on whether additional candidates emerge to challenge Jenner for the post, which would trigger the anticipated secret ballot among Reform's Senedd members.