Reform UK Wales' Shock Leadership Battle: Helen Jenner Wins by Just Two Votes After Dan Thomas Exit

Helen Jenner has won Reform UK's leadership in Wales by just two votes, defeating Jason O'Connell in a closely fought internal contest days after Dan Thomas stepped down following his arrest on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.

Jenner secured 17 votes to O'Connell's 15. The narrow result came after another potential contender, James Evans, had previously said he had the support of a majority of Reform's Senedd group but decided not to stand.

Helen Jenner Wins Reform UK Wales Leadership Vote

Jenner was unveiled as Reform UK's new Welsh leader alongside party leader Nigel Farage outside the Senedd in Cardiff on Monday.

The result was far from the uncontested succession that had initially appeared possible. Evans said on 16 September that he would not enter the leadership race, despite claiming he had the 'majority of support' within the group. He said he hoped Reform could unite behind a single candidate.

Instead, Jenner faced O'Connell and won the internal ballot by two votes.

The narrow result has fuelled speculation about potential divisions within Reform's Senedd group. Jenner rejected suggestions of a unity problem, saying she and O'Connell had agreed that whoever won would have the other's support.

Dan Thomas' Exit Triggered the Leadership Battle

Thomas announced his resignation as Reform UK Wales leader on 15 September after confirming he had been reported to police.

Gwent Police said a 45-year-old man from the Aberbargoed area had been arrested on 13 September on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour. He was released on bail pending further inquiries. Thomas has denied wrongdoing.

Thomas remains a Member of the Senedd despite giving up the leadership position.

His departure came only months after Reform made significant gains at the May 2026 Senedd election, when it won 34 seats and became the second-largest party by representation.

Who Is Helen Jenner?

Jenner represents Bangor Conwy Môn and previously served as Reform UK's deputy leader in Wales. She had also stood in for Thomas at First Minister's Questions shortly before his resignation.

Born in Neath and raised on Anglesey, Jenner is a Welsh speaker and has previously been involved with political movements associated with Farage. She stood as a Brexit Party candidate at the 2019 general election and was previously a member of UKIP.

She now takes over after a leadership contest decided by a two-vote margin.

Jenner Signals Changes Under New Leadership

Jenner has said Reform has 'a few things' to change, including giving members more of a say over policy.

She also rejected claims that the close leadership vote demonstrated problems with unity inside the Senedd group.

A new deputy leader will also need to be selected because Jenner previously held that position.

Farage Backs Jenner After Narrow Result

Farage publicly introduced Jenner as Reform UK's new Welsh leader and described Thomas' departure as a 'bump in the road.' He also expressed support for Thomas while the police investigation continues.

The leadership change follows another disruption for Reform in Wales, with Senedd member Sarah Cooper-Lesadd recently defecting to Plaid Cymru.

Jenner therefore takes charge after a sudden leadership vacancy, an unexpected two-candidate contest and a 17-15 result that has prompted speculation about divisions within Reform's Senedd group.