Dan Thomas, leader of the Reform party in the Welsh Parliament, announced his resignation on Monday following his recent arrest on suspicion of controlling or coercive behaviour. Thomas, who led Reform to its first electoral success in the Senedd earlier this year, was taken into police custody on Sunday and subsequently released on bail pending further investigation.

The 45-year-old former Conservative councillor issued a statement expressing his regret over the decision to step down, maintaining his innocence. “With deep regret, I am standing down. Over the weekend I was reported to the police and released without charge. I have done nothing wrong,” Thomas said.

Gwent Police confirmed the arrest, stating that Thomas is also suspected of assault. The force said, “A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.”

The incident has sparked reactions within the political community. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch posted on X (formerly Twitter) that individuals are “innocent until proven guilty,” while also criticizing Reform for attracting “problematic people” from the Conservative ranks. Badenoch added, “Nigel Farage took a number of very problematic people from the Conservatives. Reform is where they belong.”

Meanwhile, the Reform party faces further challenges as Senedd member Sarah Cooper-Lesadd recently defected from Reform to Plaid Cymru, highlighting ongoing internal shifts within the party amid its fledgling presence in the Welsh Parliament.

Thomas’s resignation marks a significant setback for Reform, which had sought to establish itself as a new political force in Wales following its unexpected breakthrough earlier this year. The party’s future direction remains uncertain as investigations continue and internal changes unfold.