REFORM UK has launched its Welsh manifesto ahead of the May Senedd election, promising what party leaders describe as an “ambitious but realistic blueprint for change” in Wales.

The manifesto was unveiled on Thursday (Mar 5) at an event in Newport attended by Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

The insurgent party is attempting to position itself as a major challenger in the election, with recent polling suggesting a fragmented political landscape in which no party is guaranteed overall control of the Senedd.

Key policy pledges

Among the headline proposals is a pledge to scrap the default 20mph speed limit on residential roads introduced by the Welsh Government, a policy which has generated significant public debate across Wales.

Reform also promises to pursue major road projects including an M4 relief road around Newport and upgrades to the A55 in North Wales.

The party says it would also end the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” refugee policy and stop the use of hotels to house asylum seekers in Welsh communities.

Other proposals include prioritising local residents for social housing, reviewing business rates, and introducing a “tax lock” designed to prevent the introduction of new Welsh taxes.

On council tax, Reform says it would impose a five per cent referendum threshold, meaning larger increases would require public approval.

NHS and farming promises

Healthcare features heavily in the party’s programme, with pledges to cut waiting lists, end the practice of patients being treated in hospital corridors, and invest in digital infrastructure and hospital upgrades.

Reform says it would maintain the NHS as a free public service.

The party has also sought to appeal to rural voters by promising changes to the controversial Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Under its proposals, Reform says it would work with the farming sector to deliver a ten-year Welsh food strategy and reduce regulatory pressure on farmers.

‘Put Wales first’

Speaking at the launch, Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the manifesto offered voters a clear alternative to the current Welsh Government.

“This manifesto is a blueprint for real change here in Wales,” he said.

“These promises put Wales and Welsh communities first, and unlike the pledges put forward by other parties, these are deliverable.

“Armed with this blueprint, we have all the building blocks to end a generation of decline here in Wales.”

Nigel Farage also addressed the event, praising the Welsh team and describing the manifesto as a serious plan for government.

“In a Senedd election campaign that has been characterised by fantasy economics from the other parties, this document is a serious plan to deliver the real change Wales deserves,” he said.

Political reaction

Opposition parties were quick to criticise the plans.

Welsh Labour said the manifesto amounted to “a Tory programme in Reform clothing” and accused the party of making unfunded promises.

A party spokesperson said: “This is a manifesto full of billions in commitments without explaining how they would be paid for.”

Other parties have also raised concerns about Reform’s policies on asylum and social housing, arguing they risk deepening social divisions.

Election battle ahead

The launch marks the start of what is expected to be an intense campaign ahead of the Senedd election on May 7.

Labour has governed Wales continuously since devolution began in 1999, but polls suggest the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives and Reform all seeking to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Reform hopes its message of tax restraint, infrastructure investment and tighter migration policies will resonate with voters frustrated by rising living costs and public service pressures.

Whether the party can translate that message into seats in the Senedd will become clear when voters go to the polls in just over two months.