**Reform UK Faces Scrutiny Over Lack of Clarity on Welsh Policies and Leadership Ahead of Senedd Election**
With the next Welsh Parliament election scheduled for 7 May 2026, political parties are preparing for a significant shift in the country’s legislative landscape. The expansion of the Senedd from 60 to 96 members, alongside newly drawn constituencies and a revised voting system, are set to alter the face of Welsh politics. Amid these changes, polling data suggests a surge in support for Reform UK—a party which currently has no seats in the Senedd but is projected to secure a considerable presence in the upcoming election.
The most recent Barn Cymru/ITV/YouGov survey has provided a snapshot of an electorate in flux. The results indicate that Labour, traditionally dominant in Wales, may drop to third place with 18 seats, while Plaid Cymru could lead with 35. Remarkably, Reform UK is estimated to garner up to 25% of the vote, which could translate into as many as 30 seats—a notable entry for a party yet to establish official Welsh leaders or declared policies.
Despite this growing prominence, questions linger about Reform UK’s readiness and ambition in Wales. The party claims a membership of 11,000, allegedly surpassing Welsh Conservatives, and has hosted well-attended events, most recently in Newport. However, Reform UK has yet to announce formal candidates, finalise a Welsh manifesto, or appoint a devolved leader. This opacity has raised concerns among both voters and political analysts about the party’s level of organisation and transparency ahead of a pivotal election.
In search of clarity, Wales Online requested answers to pressing questions regarding the party’s timetable for publishing policies, candidate selection, and leadership plans. Former independent councillor David Thomas, now representing Reform UK and previously known in the music scene as DJ Dowster, was made available to respond. Notably, Nigel Farage, the party’s principal figurehead, was unavailable, underscoring Reform UK’s provisional leadership situation in Wales.
Policies remain a point of contention. Although the party recently undertook a “pilot policy consultation” proposing income tax cuts, funded partly by reducing net zero expenditure, detailed proposals or a comprehensive manifesto remain forthcoming. Councillor Thomas explained that Reform UK is intent on revealing concrete plans closer to the election to avoid issuing empty promises or providing rivals with political ammunition. Their approach appears cautious, if not hesitant, with a promise of transparency in due course.
On polling, Thomas expressed optimism, highlighting positive doorstep feedback alongside polling data. He maintained that dissatisfaction with Labour and the Conservatives has fuelled enthusiasm for Reform UK, with many Welsh voters reportedly eager for change. While the polls are encouraging for the party, Thomas believes that ground-level sentiment could yield even stronger results on election day.
Leadership in Wales remains unresolved for Reform UK. The party maintains that a leader will only be selected if and after they secure electoral representation. This stance means voters presently have no indication of who their prospective First Minister might be if they cast their ballot for Reform UK. Thomas was unfazed by these criticisms, suggesting voters are more interested in policy than personalities.
Regarding what Reform UK offers the Welsh electorate, Thomas cited a desire to break from what he characterised as the failings of Labour’s lengthy governance. Common talking points included tackling NHS waiting times, improving education, boosting economic performance, and “putting more money in people’s pockets.” Detractors have accused Reform UK of offering simplified solutions to complex problems, a criticism Thomas dismissed, asserting that concrete policies would be unveiled in due course.
In terms of candidate selection, Reform UK plans to field a full slate, vetting applicants for each constituency, with ambitions to cover all seats available under the expanded Senedd. These processes, while ongoing, have yet to be finalised, but the party is confident of meeting the May 2026 deadline.
Finally, Reform UK has faced criticism from the First Minister and other rivals who describe the party as “showy and loud,” a characterisation Thomas counters by pointing to Labour’s own record after more than two decades in power. The party insists it represents a viable alternative to the Welsh electorate and aspires to reshape the nation’s political future.
As election preparations gather pace, Reform UK stands at a crossroads. The party’s rise in the polls marks a new chapter in Welsh politics, but whether it can translate this momentum into meaningful political influence remains to be seen as voters await clearer answers on leadership, policy, and direction.