Laura Anne Jones, a senior Conservative Member of the Senedd (MS) for South Wales East, has dramatically defected to Reform UK, becoming the party's first representative in the Welsh parliament.
The move, announced by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage at the Royal Welsh Show, marks a significant blow to the Welsh Conservatives and signals Reform UK's growing influence in Welsh politics. Jones cited disillusionment with the Conservative Party's direction and leadership as her reasons for leaving after more than three decades as a member. Her defection has sparked fierce criticism from former colleagues, accusations of betrayal, and prompted a reshuffle within the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet.
The high-profile switch comes amid a wave of similar defections from Conservative politicians and councillors to Reform UK ahead of the next Senedd election.
.Here are the top political news stories for today.
Be the first to reply to this general discussion.
Join in on more popular conversations.
