Party insists he lives in Wales despite owning home across the border

REFORM UK has confirmed that its newly appointed Welsh leader Dan Thomas owns a house in the English city of Bath, but maintains he is currently living in Wales with his family.

The row follows reporting by Nation.Cymru, which questioned whether Mr Thomas had relocated to Wales as claimed when he was unveiled as the party’s figurehead ahead of the next Senedd Cymru election.

Mr Thomas was introduced to supporters at a rally in Newport by Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, who said the former London Conservative council leader had “returned to his roots” in the Valleys to raise his young family.

Mr Thomas has also publicly stated that he lives in Wales.

However, the Welsh news site reported that he had sold his London home and told former colleagues he was moving to the Bath area for work and to be closer to family.

Following publication of the story, a Reform UK press officer contacted the outlet insisting: “Dan lives in Wales. Any claim to the contrary is entirely false. He lives here in Wales, where he is raising his young family.”

When pressed further, the party acknowledged that Mr Thomas owns property in Bath, but said it is rented out and not his main residence.

The clarification prompted a series of additional questions from journalists, including when the Bath property was purchased, whether he ever lived there, and why it was bought if the intention had always been to relocate to Wales.

They also sought confirmation of where Mr Thomas is registered to vote and the circumstances around his appointment as Reform UK’s Welsh leader.

According to the publication, those questions were not answered directly. Reform UK instead repeated that Mr Thomas “lives here in Wales with his wife and children” and called for the original article to be removed.

In a subsequent video statement, Mr Thomas described the coverage as a “smear”, saying political opponents were “rattled” and inviting “credible, trustworthy journalists” to visit him for “a cup of tea” to prove he lives in Wales.

The issue matters because candidates seeking election to the Senedd are expected to demonstrate a clear residential link to Wales.

Reform UK has not provided further detail about Mr Thomas’s living arrangements.

This article is based on reporting first published by Martin Shipton at Nation.Cymru and is rewritten with attribution.

Longest-serving town councillor remembered as tireless champion for her community

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of former mayor and long-serving town councillor Pamela George, a familiar and much-loved figure in Pembroke Dock public life.

Cllr George, believed to be the town’s longest-serving member of Pembroke Dock Town Council, died on Saturday (Feb 1).

Over decades of service, she became known for her commitment to local causes and her hands-on approach to helping residents, with colleagues describing her as a dedicated public servant who always put the town first.

She served as mayor on nine separate occasions, most recently during the 2022/23 civic year, and was regularly seen supporting community events, fundraisers and local organisations across the town.

In a statement, the Town Council said it was “with great sadness” that members learned of her passing.

A spokesperson added: “Pam was very passionate in her role as councillor and mayor and she will be sorely missed. She gave so much of her time to Pembroke Dock and to the people who live here.”

A book of condolence has been opened to allow residents to pay their respects.

Local representatives from across Pembrokeshire also shared their memories.

Samuel Kurtz MS described the news as “incredibly sad”, offering condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. He said she was always generous with her time and knowledge of the town.

The Pennar Community Hall committee called her “a true stalwart of the community”, recalling her regular presence at fundraising events and her unwavering support for local initiatives.

Fellow councillors said she was known for her positivity and encouragement, as well as her deep pride in Pembroke Dock. One described her as a “great mentor and friend” and “a wonderful ambassador for the town”, while others remembered her constant smile and dedication to residents.

Current mayor Michele Wiggins said the town would feel her loss keenly.

“She was a wonderful champion for Pembroke Dock,” she said. “Her positivity, commitment and loyalty to the town have been like no other. She will be greatly missed.”

Cllr George’s long record of service leaves what many say is a lasting legacy in the community she worked so hard to support.

Fifteen-year-old charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article appears before Swansea magistrates

A FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD boy has been remanded into custody after appearing in court charged with causing serious injuries to a teacher during a knife incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Saturday following his arrest on Thursday afternoon.

Magistrates heard the alleged attack took place shortly after 3:00pm inside a classroom at the school.

Classroom incident

Prosecutors said the boy is accused of producing a kitchen knife while speaking with a female teacher who was helping him with his work.

The court heard the teacher suffered injuries to her head, back and finger and later received hospital treatment. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Emergency services were called to the scene and officers attended the school as a precaution while the situation was brought under control.

Charges outlined

The teenager is charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises, offences under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

Section 18 relates to intentionally causing really serious harm and is one of the most serious assault offences in law.

During the brief hearing, the defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. No pleas were entered.

Family members watched proceedings from the public gallery.

Case moves to Crown Court

Magistrates declined bail and remanded the boy into youth detention accommodation.

He is due to appear next at Swansea Crown Court on February 9.

The Herald understands that safeguarding procedures were put in place at the school following the incident, with pupils kept safe while officers dealt with enquiries.

Police investigations remain ongoing.