Welsh leader of Farage’s Reform UK quits after arrest

LONDON — The Welsh leader of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK resigned Tuesday after being arrested on suspicion of assault.

Dan Thomas, who led the party in the Welsh parliament, said in a statement he was standing down from his role for “personal reasons.”

“Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge. I stress that I have done nothing wrong, but I do not want the coming headlines to be a distraction from the fantastic work our Senedd team is doing in holding this government to account,” he said.

Reform said Tuesday that Thomas was not taking part in a parliamentary question session with the first minister of Wales for “personal reasons.”

Gwent Police said in a statement reported by multiple media outlets: “On Sunday 13 September a 45-year-old man, from the Aberbargoed area, was arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour. 

“He has been bailed pending further enquiries.”

Thomas was only picked as Reform’s Welsh party leader in February, and became the leader of the opposition in the devolved assembly in May after a strong showing by Farage’s outfit in national elections.