Former Barnet Council leader steps down as Reform leader

Dan Thomas was arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour over the weekend and released without charge

A former leader of Barnet Council has stepped down from his role as leader of Reform UK in Wales after being arrested this weekend.

Dan Thomas, who led the council between 2019 and 2022, defected from the Conservatives to Reform in June last year and then quit the council in December to spend more time in Wales.

He became leader of Reform in the principality in February and led the party to second place in this year’s Senedd elections, becoming leader of the opposition.

In a statement issued by the party today, Thomas said: “Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge.”

He added: “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.”

In a statement, Gwent Police said: “On Sunday 13th 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.”

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

ACT NOW!

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.