Welsh councillor sparks controversy for sharing music with offensive lyrics
A Welsh Reform Councillor, David Thomas, also known as DJ Dowster, is facing criticism for sharing songs with explicit language online. Despite being listed as one of the “composers” of the music, Councillor Thomas denies involvement in creating songs with lewd lyrics. The political party stated that Mr. Thomas, the leader of the Torfaen council group for Reform, did not create tracks such as “P***ystomp” but did post them on his YouTube channel.
An anonymous source alerted Wales Online about the offensive content in songs posted by DJ Dowster, including derogatory terms towards women and ableist language. The Reform party clarified that Mr. Thomas was a former DJ who collaborated with another artist named Sam Thomsitt, also known as Vagabond. Both Mr. Thomas and Mr. Thomsitt are credited on platforms like YouTube and Spotify as composers and producers, although the party claims this attribution was a mistake.
Songs like “Spack Attack” and “C**k & Balls” feature explicit and misogynistic lyrics, which have raised concerns among some individuals. The source who flagged the issue called for Mr. Thomas to resign, questioning if he is a suitable leader for the party in Wales. Despite being associated with the music posted online, Reform asserts that Mr. Thomas has not financially benefitted from the songs in question.
Mr. Thomas’ music is available on various platforms under the name Dowster and Vagabond, where it has garnered a following of 842 monthly listeners. While the controversy around the lyrics continues, Mr. Thomas maintains that he did not create the offensive content. The Reform party emphasised its commitment to high standards for candidates and elected officials, noting that the songs were solely the work of Sam Thomsitt.
In recent months, Mr. Thomas’s political affiliations have come under scrutiny, with allegations of multiple party switches and his eventual move to Reform. Despite this background, Mr. Thomas affirms his socialist values, even as Reform’s manifesto aligns more with tax-cutting policies. As the party gears up for the 2026 Senedd elections, the controversy surrounding Mr. Thomas adds a layer of complexity to his political career.
The situation involving Councillor David Thomas highlights the intersection of personal interests with public responsibilities for elected officials. The debate over his involvement in music with explicit content raises questions about accountability and suitability for leadership roles in politics. Moving forward, how Mr. Thomas and the Reform party address these concerns will be closely watched by constituents and observers alike.
As discussions around the controversy unfold, the wider implications for political representation and ethical standards within the Reform party may prompt a reevaluation of its candidate selection processes. The spotlight on Mr. Thomas serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise when personal passions intersect with public roles, highlighting the need for transparent and accountable leadership in political spheres.