Andrew RT Davies Accuses Reform UK of Joining Establishment

The Welsh Conservatives condemned Reform UK ahead of its conference in Newport, stating that the party has betrayed Welsh voters. On the eve of the event, Nigel Farage claimed that Reform UK would be the primary competitor to Labour in the May 2026 Welsh Senedd election. However, Andrew RT Davies, the Welsh Conservatives leader, argued that Reform UK has aligned itself with the political establishment it once opposed, drawing comparisons to UKIP's decline in 2016 due to internal conflicts. Davies specifically criticized Reform for its support of increased funding for illegal migrants and the expansion of the Senedd, which he argued would burden Welsh taxpayers. His comments emphasize the Conservatives' position as a reliable alternative to Labour's leadership since 1997, which they believe is increasingly out of touch with Welsh voters' needs. In contrast, Lee Anderson from Reform UK responded by stating their aim to challenge all political parties in Wales, indicating that no party is safe from their pursuits. He claimed that Reform UK is gaining momentum by appealing to both Conservative and Labour voters, asserting that they offer a true alternative to the current political landscape. Amidst these exchanges, the number of voters supporting Reform UK is rising, which poses potential challenges for the Welsh Conservatives as they navigate the forthcoming electoral landscape in Wales.