Reform UK reports a significant rise in membership in Wales, indicating growing support ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections
Cardiff: So, it looks like Reform UK is really picking up steam in Wales. They’re claiming their membership numbers have shot up, and it’s all thanks to the leadership of Nigel Farage. Apparently, they’re gearing up for the Senedd elections in 2026, and some polls suggest they could snag around 20 seats. That would shake things up quite a bit in Cardiff Bay!
Right now, there are 60 seats in the Senedd, but that’s set to increase to 96. Plus, they’re changing how constituencies are drawn and how votes are counted. Reform UK has already made some waves by getting a few councillors in Wales after some folks switched parties. But the real test will be the upcoming Welsh elections.
According to their spokesperson, Oliver Lewis, they’ve got about 7,800 members in Wales now. He’s pretty excited, saying that while other parties are busy arguing about their past mistakes, Reform UK is ready to bring real change. He believes they’ve got all the momentum and that Wales really needs them.
Interestingly, this membership number seems to put them ahead of the Conservatives in Wales, who reportedly have fewer than 5,000 members. The Conservatives didn’t deny this when asked, but they’re still claiming to have thousands of members and activists. They’re looking forward to the upcoming elections and are confident about their chances.
It seems like the Conservatives have lost some support to Reform UK, especially after the last general election. A study showed that a good chunk of former Tory voters switched to Reform. Even some former Conservative leaders are sounding the alarm about the threat Reform UK poses, urging their party to adapt or risk fading away.
Reform UK isn’t your typical political party; it’s more like a business with Farage and Richard Tice at the helm. But at a recent conference, Farage mentioned plans to create a more traditional structure with branches. He’s making Wales a top priority as they head into the 2026 elections.
When asked about appointing a leader in Wales or any specific policies, Farage was a bit vague. He mentioned that they’re still figuring things out and asked for some patience as they evolve. It sounds like they’re ready to shake things up in Welsh politics!
