Party says defecting Tories show Reform is ‘a vehicle for Westminster power, not Wales’

RHUN AP IORWERTH has launched a sharp attack on Reform UK after the party appointed a former Conservative council leader to head its Welsh operation, accusing the movement of existing solely to deliver Nigel Farage into Downing Street rather than serve Welsh communities.

The Plaid Cymru leader said Reform’s latest appointment and a string of Conservative defections prove the party is “recycled, washed-out Tories looking for a new political home” and warned voters that Wales risked becoming “a stepping stone” for Westminster ambitions.

Dan Thomas has been named Reform’s figurehead in Wales, a role Plaid has branded “Farage’s deputy”, with responsibility for building support ahead of the next Senedd election.

The move follows the defection of former Conservative Senedd member James Evans to Reform, making him the second ex-Tory MS to cross the floor.

‘Nothing to offer Wales’

Speaking ahead of a visit to businesses in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 5), Mr ap Iorwerth said Reform’s Welsh leadership change would make little difference to voters.

“Two more ex-Tories defecting to Reform UK should come as no surprise to the people of Wales,” he said.

“Now there is no doubt that Reform UK are simply recycled Conservatives looking for a new political home.

“It doesn’t matter who Farage has selected to represent him. The so-called leader’s sole responsibility will be to get Nigel Farage into No.10 Downing Street, because for Reform, Wales is nothing but a stepping stone.”

He added that Reform was “weak on solutions, weak on ideas, and weak on standing up for Wales”, and claimed only Plaid could prevent the party topping the poll at the next election.

Poll pressure

Recent opinion polling has suggested a fragmented Welsh political landscape, with Plaid Cymru and Reform both competing strongly in parts of south and west Wales, while Labour faces losses after years in government.

Reform has sought to capitalise on frustration over NHS waiting times, the cost of living and rural economic pressures, presenting itself as an anti-establishment alternative. The party has also targeted former Conservative voters disillusioned with Westminster politics.

Plaid, meanwhile, argues that Reform offers “London-centric” policies with little understanding of devolved responsibilities such as health and education.

Controversial past

Plaid figures also pointed to Reform’s previous leadership history in Wales, noting that former MEP Nathan Gill, once associated with the party’s earlier iterations, was recently convicted in a high-profile bribery case linked to pro-Russian lobbying. Reform has since distanced itself from past controversies and says it is building a new team.

Business focus

During his Llanelli visit, Mr ap Iorwerth said he would meet local traders to discuss energy costs, staffing pressures and economic growth.

“Plaid Cymru offers new leadership for Wales with credible plans for our communities, and the ambition Wales deserves,” he said.

Reform UK has been approached for comment.

The next Senedd election is expected to take place in May, with parties already positioning themselves for what could be one of the most competitive contests since devolution began.

57-year-old due in court following alleged knife and stalking offences

A MAN has been charged with attempted murder following a serious incident in Carmarthen town centre last week.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that James McKenna, aged 57, from Carmarthen, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and stalking.

The charges relate to an incident in Carmarthen Park on Thursday (Jan 29), which prompted a significant emergency services response and caused concern among residents.

Police have not yet released full details of the circumstances, but officers were seen in and around the park area for several hours following the incident while enquiries were carried out.

McKenna is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates Court on Thursday (Feb 5).

The Herald understands the case involves allegations of both violence and targeted behaviour towards an individual, with stalking listed among the charges.

Public concern

Carmarthen Park is a popular and busy public space used daily by families, dog walkers and joggers, and incidents of this severity are rare.

The news has prompted concern locally, particularly as the alleged offences include possession of a knife in a public place.

Residents have previously raised questions about safety in parks and open spaces across west Wales, especially during darker winter evenings.

Court proceedings

At this stage, the charges remain allegations and the case will now proceed through the courts.

Magistrates will decide whether the case is sent to Crown Court due to the seriousness of the attempted murder charge.

Further details are expected to emerge during Thursday’s hearing.

The Herald will be attending court and will provide updates as they become available.

Man walked into police station after months avoiding authorities

A CONVICTED sex offender who told police he intended to live “off grid” rather than comply with legal monitoring rules has been jailed after handing himself in at a Pembrokeshire police station.

Christopher Spelman, aged 66, of no fixed address, appeared for sentence at Swansea Crown Court after admitting breaching the notification requirements of the sex offenders register.

The court heard Spelman was released from prison in Dorset on July 4 last year but immediately refused to provide police with an address, despite being legally required to do so within three days.

Instead, he indicated he planned to buy a tent and live outdoors.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson said officers subsequently launched a nationwide search when Spelman failed to make contact with police. Public appeals were issued and his case featured on the television programme Crimewatch.

Detectives believed he had been travelling around the UK using public transport and staying at campsites. He was known to have links to several areas including Merseyside, Manchester, Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire.

His whereabouts remained unknown until January 3 this year, when he walked into Haverfordwest police station and was arrested. It is unclear how long he had been in Pembrokeshire.

Spelman previously served seven years in prison after being convicted in 2014 of 12 counts of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 14. He was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

The court heard this was not the first time he had failed to comply with the rules. After an earlier release in 2016, he again failed to register his address and avoided police for around five years before being caught.

He has 11 previous convictions for 29 offences.

Defence barrister Andrew Evans described the case as unusual and said his client had long disputed his original conviction and had expressed a wish to live “outside society”.

However, he said Spelman had gradually accepted that he remained subject to court orders and now wanted more stable accommodation and a chance to rebuild his life. The defendant asked the court to impose a custodial sentence so arrangements could be made for his future release.

Judge Geraint Walters noted there were signs Spelman wished to change but warned that any further breaches would result in longer prison terms.

With credit for his guilty plea, Spelman was sentenced to 10 months in prison. He will serve up to half in custody before being released on licence.