Dan Thomas steps down as Reform UK Wales leader after arrest

Dan Thomas, a former leader of Barnet Council, has resigned from his position as leader of Reform UK in Wales. The move follows his arrest over the weekend on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour. Gwent Police confirmed that a 45-year-old man from the Aberbargoed area was arrested on Sunday, 13 September, and subsequently bailed pending further enquiries. He was released without charge.

Mr Thomas, who led Barnet Council between 2019 and 2022, had joined Reform UK in June of the previous year. He left the council in December to focus on his political activities in Wales. He was appointed leader of Reform UK in Wales in February and subsequently led the party to achieve second place in the Senedd elections, becoming leader of the opposition.

In a statement, Mr Thomas said he had been reported to the police and released without charge. He added that he had done nothing wrong and did not want the ensuing publicity to distract from the work of the party's Senedd team. The Barnet Post reported these events on 15 September 2026.