Nigel Farage, the Reform UK MP for Clacton and prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, recently attended the party’s “biggest ever” conference in Wales. During the conference held at the Celtic Manor in Newport, Farage expressed his commitment to making Wales a top priority for Reform UK. He discussed various key points regarding the party’s strategy and vision for Wales in the upcoming years.
Farage highlighted that Reform UK aims to challenge Labour as the main competitor in the Senedd election in 2026. He emphasised that the Conservative Party’s reputation has been significantly damaged since 2019. Farage outlined plans to reorganise Reform UK’s structure, transitioning from a business model to a traditional branch system with chairs and treasurers. The party intends to have candidates contesting all 96 forthcoming Senedd seats in Wales.
Polling results indicating 20% support for Reform UK in Wales were described by Farage as “extraordinary.” He expressed confidence in the party’s growth and prospects, aiming to secure substantial support in the upcoming Senedd election. Farage underlined Labour’s apprehension towards Reform UK, both at the Welsh and UK levels, indicating a shift in the political landscape.
Reform UK’s increasing presence in Wales was evident in the general election, where over 220,000 Welsh voters, approximately 17% of the total, supported Reform candidates. The party’s surge in support could potentially secure substantial seats in the Senedd election based on recent polling indicating around 20% support for Reform UK in Wales.
During his interactions with the media, Farage reiterated his party’s commitment to bringing change and offering a viable alternative to the continuous Labour governance in Wales. He critiqued the current state of public services in Wales and proposed a shift away from what he termed as “crackpot wokery.” Farage emphasised that Reform UK focuses on judging individuals based on merit and values, rather than superficial characteristics.
Regarding the party’s structure, Farage acknowledged the need for a shift towards a more robust political party framework, with active branches, vetted candidates, and engaged party members. He envisioned a scenario where Reform UK emerges as a strong contender against Labour, challenging the political status quo in Wales significantly.
As the party gears up for the Senedd election in 2026, Farage stressed the need for Reform UK to establish itself as the primary opposition to Labour. He highlighted the significance of direct democracy and hinted at potentially introducing more referenda to enhance public engagement and decision-making processes.
With 18 months remaining until the Senedd election, Farage acknowledged the daunting task ahead for Reform UK in Wales. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about the party’s trajectory and its potential to offer a credible alternative to the established political parties in the region. Farage’s strategic insights and Reform UK’s evolving approach underscore a dynamic and competitive political landscape shaping up in Wales.