Helen Jenner elected new Reform UK Wales leader after Thomas arrest

Helen Jenner has been elected as the new leader of Reform UK in Wales, replacing Dan Thomas who resigned last week following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. The announcement was made by party leader Nigel Farage at the Senedd on Monday. Jenner, who previously served as the party's deputy leader in Wales, was chosen by a vote of Reform UK's 33 Senedd members. She narrowly defeated her colleague Jason O'Connell in the leadership contest. Farage, speaking on the steps of the Welsh parliament, described Thomas's departure as a "bump in the road" and stated the party would carry on as if nothing had happened. Thomas, who was only appointed as the party's Welsh leader in February, stood down last Tuesday after his arrest. Gwent Police confirmed a 45-year-old man from the Aberbargoed area was arrested on 13 September on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour. He has been bailed pending further inquiries. In a statement, Thomas said he had been reported to the police the previous weekend and was released without charge, stressing he had done nothing wrong.