Laura Anne Jones, a senior member of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, has 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 Conservatives and signals Reform's growing influence in Wales ahead of the 2026 Senedd election. Jones cited disillusionment with the Conservative Party's direction as her reason for switching allegiance. Her defection has sparked criticism from former colleagues and prompted a reshuffle within the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet.
The event is part of a broader trend, with several Welsh councillors also leaving the Conservatives for Reform UK.
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