Dan Thomas, the new leader of Reform UK in Wales, is hitting back at claims that he’s not a true Welshman. Rumours are swirling that Thomas lives in Bath, England, but he’s calling out these claims as “absolute nonsense” and blaming the “Welsh establishment” for trying to tarnish his reputation. Despite buying property in Somerset, Thomas states firmly, “I’m living in Wales.”
Thomas, originally hailing from Blackwood, was unveiled as the Reform leader in Wales by none other than Nigel Farage at a rally in Newport. A former leader of Barnet Council in London, Thomas plans to stand in the May elections for a seat in the Senedd and hopes to represent Newport and Islwyn.
The father of two cited family reasons and safety concerns for his move back from London, expressing a desire for his children to grow up close to their grandparents and extended family. He’s passionate about making changes in Wales, drawing from his 20-year experience in local government in London where he made significant budget cuts and improvements without hiking council tax.
Thomas promises that if elected, Reform UK will prioritise efficiency over expansion, claiming that the current government is too quick to ask for more power and funds without getting the basics right. He criticised the rising council tax in Wales and committed to stand against such increases. Thomas is confident that Reform UK will manage resources effectively and won’t point fingers at the UK Government for any shortfalls, unlike other parties.
The political scene is heating up as Welsh Labour critiques both Reform UK and Plaid Cymru for offering “simple solutions without substance.” They argue that both parties lack concrete plans for the future of Wales, while Welsh Labour prides itself on shielding public services from austerity.
As the debate unfolds, keep an eye on how this political drama between the parties shapes up and what it might mean for the future of Wales. Stay tuned for more updates!