REFORM'S WELSH LEADER DAN THOMAS QUITS AFTER ASSAULT ARREST

Dan Thomas has stood down as Reform UK's leader in Wales following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. Gwent Police said a 45-year-old man from Aberbargoed, in Caerphilly, was arrested on Sunday and bailed pending further enquiries. Thomas, in a statement issued by his party, said he had been released without charge and stressed that he had done nothing wrong. He said he was standing down for personal reasons and did not want forthcoming headlines to distract from the work of Reform's Senedd team in holding the Welsh government to account. He said he will continue to serve as a member of the Senedd for his Casnewydd Islwyn constituency.

Nigel Farage appointed Thomas as Reform UK's leader in Wales in February. Thomas was elected to represent Casnewydd Islwyn in the Senedd elections in May, when Reform's representation in Cardiff Bay grew from two members to 34. Reform finished second behind Plaid Cymru in that vote, and Thomas became leader of the opposition in the Senedd. He described leading the group's growth as "the honour of my life." Thomas did not take part in First Minister's Questions on the day his resignation was announced. The same day, Reform MS Sarah Cooper-Lesadd defected to Plaid Cymru.

Thomas said he would "fully back" whoever Reform's Senedd group selects as its next leader. Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates said the case demonstrated "appalling judgment" by Nigel Farage. Gwent Police said the man remains on bail while enquiries into the alleged assault and controlling or coercive behaviour continue. Reform's Senedd group, which became the largest opposition group in Welsh political history under Thomas, must now choose a successor.