Laura Anne Jones, a senior Conservative Member of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), has dramatically defected to Reform UK, becoming the party's first representative in the Senedd.
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 Wales. Jones cited disillusionment with the Conservative Party and frustration over the country's direction as reasons for her switch. The defection has sparked fierce criticism from her former colleagues, accusations of betrayal, and prompted a reshuffle within the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet.
This high-profile move comes amid a wave of defections from the Conservatives to Reform UK ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections.
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