Laura Anne Jones, a senior member of the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) and former Conservative, has 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. Her defection has sparked strong reactions, with former colleagues accusing her of lacking principles and betraying voters.
This high-profile shift comes amid a wave of similar defections from the Conservatives to Reform UK ahead of the next Senedd election.
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