Helen Jenner has been elected the new leader of Reform UK Wales, succeeding Dan Thomas following his resignation from the position.
Reform UK officially confirmed the appointment on Monday, 21 September, saying the former deputy leader had been chosen by the party's Senedd members that morning.
Jenner will also serve as leader of the Reform UK group in Cardiff Bay.
Farage welcomes appointment
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage announced Jenner's appointment outside the Senedd and described her as a longstanding and determined campaigner.
Farage said: “Helen Jenner is now the leader of Reform in Wales, and the group leader in the Senedd. I've known Helen for many, many years. She's a determined campaigner and I think she will do a very good job.”
Jenner said she was “thrilled” to have received the backing of her colleagues and promised to continue challenging Wales's political establishment.
She said: “Back in May the voters gave us a clear mandate to smash the establishment and to bring common sense to Cardiff Bay.
“Week in, week out, that's exactly what we've done, and we're not going to stop until we get the real change Wales deserves.”
Who is Helen Jenner?
Jenner represents Bangor Conwy Môn in the Senedd and was elected at the Welsh Parliament election in May 2026.
The Senedd lists her as a constituency member for Reform UK and a member of the Reform UK Wales group. She also sits on the Culture, Communications, Cymraeg and Sport Committee.
Born in Neath and raised on Anglesey, Jenner worked as a teacher for 15 years before entering the Senedd. She previously stood as a Brexit Party candidate and was involved with UKIP during Farage's leadership of the party.
Her appointment places her in charge of Reform's Welsh operation as the party seeks to consolidate the gains it made at the May election.
Thomas resigned following arrest
Jenner succeeds Dan Thomas, who stepped down as the party's Welsh leader after being arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.
Gwent Police said a 45-year-old man from the Aberbargoed area had been arrested on 13 September and bailed pending further enquiries. Thomas has not been charged.
In a statement announcing his resignation, Thomas said he had done nothing wrong and did not want coverage surrounding the matter to distract from the work of Reform's Senedd group.
He remains a member of the Senedd for Casnewydd Islwyn.
New leadership team to be completed
Jenner's move from deputy leader to leader leaves Reform UK Wales with another senior position to fill. Farage confirmed that a new deputy leader would be elected.
The new leader now faces the task of maintaining unity within the Senedd group and establishing Reform's approach to the next phase of Welsh politics.