Senedd Conservative Laura Anne Jones Defects to Reform UK in Wales

Laura Anne Jones, a Conservative Member of the Senedd (MS) for South Wales East, has defected to Reform UK, becoming the party's first MS in Wales. Announced by Reform leader Nigel Farage at the Royal Welsh Show, Jones said she no longer recognized the Conservative Party or could justify its policies on the doorstep. Her defection reduces the Conservatives to 14 MSs in the Welsh Parliament and highlights Reform UK's growing presence ahead of the next Senedd election, where recent polls suggest Reform UK could challenge to be the largest party. Jones denied that her move was motivated by electoral concerns, though her future candidacy for the May election remains uncertain. Farage praised her experience and conviction, confirming a future appointment of a Reform UK leader in Wales but stating no immediate leadership change. The defection underscores shifting political dynamics in Wales, with Reform UK and Plaid Cymru reportedly competing for prominence as Labour and the Conservatives lag behind.