September 21, 2026 - 269 views
Bangor Conwy Môn Senedd member Helen Jenner has been named the new leader of Reform UK in Wales.
The former deputy leader takes over from Dan Thomas, who stepped down from the role last week after being arrested on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. Thomas has said he has done nothing wrong and was released without charge.
Jenner was elected by Reform's Senedd members at a vote on Monday morning and will now lead the party's group in the Welsh Parliament.
The new Reform Wales leader represents the Bangor Conwy Môn constituency, which covers communities across parts of Conwy and Anglesey, as well as Bangor.
She was elected to the Senedd in May and had served as Reform's deputy leader since April.
Jenner grew up on Anglesey and studied at Bangor University. She previously worked as a teacher for 15 years and has been Reform's Shadow Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language since her election.
Speaking outside the Senedd in Cardiff, she said she was "thrilled" to have the backing of her colleagues.
She said voters had given Reform a clear mandate at the Senedd election and that the party would continue to push for change in Cardiff Bay.
Nigel Farage, who announced Jenner's appointment, described her as a "determined campaigner" and said he had known her for many years.
Reform became the second-largest group in the Senedd following May's election. In Bangor Conwy Môn, the party won two of the constituency's six seats, with Jenner among those elected.
The leadership vote was held among Reform's 33 Senedd members. Jenner said fellow Senedd member Jason O'Connell had also stood for the leadership.
Farage said a vote would be held on Tuesday to choose a new deputy leader for Reform in Wales, following Jenner's move into the top job.
