Laura Anne Jones, Reform UK’s sole member in the Senedd, is making headlines after being suspended for using a racial slur in a Whatsapp message. Jones, a former Conservative who switched to Nigel Farage’s party last summer, insists she’s not racist and has apologised for the incident, attributing it to outdated language from her youth.
Despite the controversy, Reform UK is gearing up for the Senedd elections, aiming to “get Wales back on its feet.” Jones says the party will soon announce its leader in Wales and roll out policies targeting education, job creation, and community support. She’s critical of the current state of Wales, citing dire education rankings and crumbling infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on rejuvenating rural communities and supporting farmers.
In a recent interview, she highlighted the party’s intention to tackle major issues like TB and criticised environmental policies that she believes harm the countryside. Reform UK is riding a wave of popularity, and Jones is confident they will become even more influential as they unveil their plans for Wales. The party hopes to challenge the big players in the upcoming election and potentially position themselves for leadership roles.
When discussing who might lead the party in Wales or their candidate for First Minister, Jones couldn’t provide specifics but assured that an announcement is coming soon. She emphasised the team’s unity and support, distinguishing her current experience with Reform UK from her time with the Conservatives.
Jones firmly opposed any notion that Reform UK is just a revamped Conservative Party, stressing their unique approach to addressing Wales’ challenges. She remains optimistic despite recent setbacks, believing the party is on track for significant success in the next Senedd election.