Reform UK’s Welsh leader, Dan Thomas, has resigned from his position following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.
Gwent Police said Thomas, 45, from the Aberbargoed area of Caerphilly, was arrested on Sunday, September 13, and later released on bail pending further enquiries.
Thomas said he was stepping down for personal reasons and maintained that he had been released without charge.
In a statement issued by Reform UK, Thomas said, “It has been the honour of my life to have been the leader of Reform Wales and see this party go from zero to 34 elected members and become the largest opposition group in Welsh history.
“With deep regret, I am now standing down from this position due to personal reasons.
“Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge.”
He added, “I will continue to serve my constituents in Casnewydd Islwyn and will fully back whoever the group selects as its next leader.”
Thomas was appointed leader of Reform UK in Wales by party leader Nigel Farage in February.
He was elected to represent Casnewydd Islwyn in the Senedd elections in May, after Reform increased its representation in Cardiff Bay from two members to 34.
The party finished second behind Plaid Cymru in the election, making Thomas the leader of the opposition in the Senedd.
He did not participate in the First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday.
Reacting to his resignation, Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates described the development as evidence of Farage’s “appalling judgement”.
Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Mims Davies, also criticised Reform, while Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said, “The wheels are rapidly coming off Reform in Wales and the entire country.”
The development came on the same day Reform MS Sarah Cooper-Lesadd announced her defection to Plaid Cymru.
Police said their investigation remains ongoing, with Thomas bailed pending further enquiries.
