WELSH LIBERAL Democrat leader Jane Dodds has criticised Reform UK’s leader in Wales after he said he would consider accepting money from a convicted criminal if it was his “only option” to pay for security.

Dan Thomas made the comments in an interview with BBC Wales while defending Nigel Farage amid continuing questions over political donations and undeclared support.

Mr Thomas said he did not know the full details of the allegations surrounding Mr Farage, but added that Reform’s UK leader needed significant security while campaigning.

Asked whether he would personally consider taking money from a convicted criminal to fund security, Mr Thomas said he would consider it if it was the only option available.

The comments have now prompted a sharp response from the Welsh Liberal Democrats, who accused Reform of failing to meet the standards expected of political leaders.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS said: “Dan Thomas’s comments are an absolute embarrassment to Welsh politics and a glaring reminder of why Reform cannot be trusted with serious leadership. This, of course, comes after Reform’s last Welsh leader took bribes from Russia.

“To openly admit that you would consider taking money from a convicted criminal, even under certain circumstances, is an insult to the public and a complete abandonment of basic political integrity.

“The people of Wales deserve leaders who uphold the highest ethical standards, not politicians who make casual excuses for murky finances and dodge accountability by claiming the establishment is out to get them, when in fact many Reform politicians are about as establishment as they come.”

The row comes as Reform UK faces growing scrutiny over party funding and support received by senior figures.

Political donations in Great Britain are governed by rules requiring parties and candidates to check whether donations are from permissible sources and to report donations above certain thresholds.

The issue is especially sensitive in Wales because Nathan Gill, a former leader of Reform Wales and former UKIP MEP, was jailed last year after admitting bribery offences linked to pro-Russian interests.

Mr Farage has denied wrongdoing in relation to the current funding row.

The Herald has asked Reform UK Wales for comment.

A MAN has been arrested after a car reported stolen from Broad Haven overturned near Portfield Gate.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called at around 7.25pm on Tuesday, July 7, following a report that a white Ford Focus had been taken without the owner’s consent in the Broad Haven area.

The vehicle was found around 15 minutes later, at approximately 7.40pm, after it had rolled onto its roof just before Portfield Gate, near Haverfordwest.

No other vehicles were involved in the collision.

The driver, a 41-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, dangerous driving, and drink and drug driving.

He was taken to hospital to be checked over before being taken into custody, where he remains.

Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage of the collision, to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260707-431.

New industry report says county has received the second highest level of marine energy investment in Wales, supporting more than 500 jobs

PEMBROKESHIRE has emerged as one of Wales’ key marine energy hubs, with almost £98 million invested locally and more than 500 jobs supported, according to a new industry report.

Marine Energy Wales’ State of the Sector Report 2026 says £97.6 million has been invested in Pembrokeshire since 2015, the second highest figure of any Welsh local authority area after Anglesey.

The report says the county’s role is centred on port operations, marine services and the practical work needed to support renewable energy devices at sea.

It also highlights the Port of Milford Haven’s plans for a gigawatt-scale offshore wind operations and maintenance base at Pembroke Port, building on existing investment.

Across Wales, the marine energy and offshore wind sector has attracted an estimated £364.8 million since 2015, supporting 1,947 jobs.

Marine Energy Wales says much of the investment has gone into strengthening Wales’ supply chain, tidal stream projects, port infrastructure and manufacturing facilities.

Of the total invested, 40% relates to supply chain development, including port infrastructure and manufacturing facilities. Tidal stream technology and site development accounts for 33%, while research spending across Welsh universities, test facilities and collaborative programmes accounts for 12%.

Pembrokeshire forms part of the south west Wales cluster, alongside Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, which together recorded £98.9 million of investment and 511 jobs.

Anglesey recorded the highest level of investment, with £114.5 million, driven largely by the Morlais tidal demonstration zone.

South Wales currently accounts for more than half of the sector’s Welsh employment, with the largest concentration of jobs in Cardiff. However, Pembrokeshire remains one of the most significant local authority areas for both jobs and investment.

The report says Wales’ marine energy and offshore wind sector is now moving from early-stage innovation towards commercial-scale deployment.

It says future growth prospects remain substantial, with offshore wind projects progressing in both the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea, while the first commercial tidal stream deployments at Morlais in North Wales are expected in 2027.

The figures underline Pembrokeshire’s growing importance in the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind sector, but the report warns that future growth will depend on continued investment, grid upgrades, supportive policy and the ability of Welsh industry to secure work as projects move from planning to delivery.

Tam Bardell, Chair of Marine Energy Wales, said Wales was beginning to realise its potential.

He said: “Wales is proving to be a credible and competitive location for both tidal stream and offshore wind, and against a backdrop of continuing global energy shocks, the sector is moving towards delivery.

“Projects like Morlais tidal demonstration zone are moving toward first power, while offshore wind in North Wales is accelerating and the Celtic Sea is progressing from test and demonstration to gigawatt-scale development.

“These are not incremental steps; they represent a step change in ambition, scale and impact.

“At Marine Energy Wales, we act as both facilitator and advocate, bringing together the organisations that make this sector work, ensuring Welsh voices are heard in national decision-making, and helping translate opportunity into delivery.

“There is still much to do. But for the first time, Wales is not just discussing its marine energy potential; we are beginning to realise it.”

The report says the next few years will determine whether Wales can capture the full economic and industrial value of the transition.

It says success will depend on continued investment, timely grid upgrades, supportive policy frameworks and the ability of Welsh industry to deliver at scale.