**Former Welsh Secretary David Jones Leaves Conservatives for Reform UK**
A prominent figure in Welsh and UK politics, David Jones, has publicly declared his decision to leave the Conservative Party in favour of aligning himself with Reform UK. Mr Jones, who served as Secretary of State for Wales between 2012 and 2014, described his move as a tough but necessary personal choice after more than half a century of Tory membership.
Mr Jones revealed his decision on Monday, making him one of the most senior ex-Conservative politicians to switch allegiance to Reform UK, the party currently led by Nigel Farage. The former Clwyd West MP stated that Reform UK now reflects his political values more closely than any of the traditional major parties. He acknowledged the emotional weight of his decision, explaining that he had informed Conservative headquarters last October that he would not be renewing his party membership, yet received no acknowledgement in return.
Explaining his reasons, Mr Jones said: “I originally joined the Conservatives because I thought they were the best fit for my values and beliefs. Sadly, that doesn’t hold true for me any longer.” He went on to praise Reform UK, asserting that its principles better mirror his own as well as those of many former Conservative and Labour supporters who feel let down by mainstream politics.
David Jones’ political career has spanned decades. After his role in the Wales Office, he was later appointed as minister in the Department for Exiting the European Union under Theresa May’s premiership during the tumultuous Brexit negotiations. He also played a significant part in the influential European Research Group, which campaigned for a hard Brexit within Conservative circles. Mr Jones stepped down from Parliament in 2024, ending a 19-year run as the MP for Clwyd West, and has reiterated that he is not seeking public office again—he joins Reform UK simply as a private citizen.
While Mr Jones has no plans to stand for election, his defection nonetheless marks a symbolic moment for Reform UK. It adds a degree of credibility to the party, which has already seen several former Conservative MPs—including Anne Marie Morris, Marco Longhi, Aiden Burley and Dame Andrea Jenkyns—join its ranks. His arrival at Reform UK comes as the party seeks to bolster its profile ahead of next year’s Senedd elections in Wales, where they are polling in second or third positions according to several recent surveys.
Political analysts have described Mr Jones’ move as a significant boost for Reform UK. The party has been keen to attract established politicians to counter criticism that it lacks serious experience within its leadership. As the political landscape in the UK continues to evolve, such defections reflect a wider dissatisfaction among some traditional party members with what they perceive as a drift away from core principles. This trend is being closely watched, particularly in Wales, where shifting allegiances could have notable consequences for the Senedd’s composition.
Mr Jones’ announcement arrives at a delicate moment for Reform UK, following a weekend marred by internal controversy. James McMurdock, the party’s MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, suspended himself from the party over allegations related to his business dealings during the pandemic. Mr McMurdock is currently under scrutiny for reportedly accepting government-backed loans, but maintains that all his conduct was in line with regulations.
Despite the turbulence, Reform UK’s leadership is eager to press ahead, buoyed by fresh high-profile supporters like Mr Jones. The party is positioning itself as a genuine alternative to both Labour and the Conservatives, tapping into the frustration many voters feel towards what they see as stale political choices.
As Reform UK prepares for a year of intense campaigning across Wales and beyond, all eyes will be on how influential defectors such as David Jones help shape the party’s fortunes. His voice could help bolster the party’s profile as it seeks to make inroads at both local and national levels, especially at a time when much of the electorate appears receptive to change and new approaches in politics.