Could Farage Forge Alliances? Reform UK's Ambitious Plans for Wales!

In a bold move, Nigel Farage has declared that Reform UK is eager to collaborate with any party to secure a governmental position in Wales by the upcoming Senedd elections in May 2026. With recent polling indicating that Reform UK is gaining ground—nearly tying with Plaid Cymru and closely following Labour—Farage believes building alliances will be essential in navigating the complexities of the new voting system.

The new system will increase the Senedd from 60 to 96 seats and employ a list system, providing a better reflection of voter intent. In light of this, Farage acknowledged the challenges in achieving an outright majority and mentioned the potential for post-electoral pacts, particularly with the Conservative Party, which has expressed reticence about collaborations.

Despite a disappointing performance in the 2021 elections, where Reform UK failed to secure any senators, their strong performance in the recent general elections, finishing second in 13 constituencies, showcases their growing influence. Polls conducted show Labour at 27%, with both Plaid Cymru and Reform at 24%.

However, Reform UK faces some internal challenges, including the absence of a designated Welsh leader. Farage assures that new leadership will emerge as the party prepares for the elections. He dismissed claims that the party lacks Welsh-specific policies, asserting a commitment to reindustrialize South Wales and push back against dominant narratives around net-zero policies that he views as detrimental.

On the other hand, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservatives, remains focused on regaining public confidence and didn’t dismiss the possibility of returning to form at the polls. She’s concentrating on providing a definitive agenda for her party without engaging in discussions about electoral pacts, emphasizing clarity over political maneuvers. As Reform UK gears up for the elections, all eyes are on how these dynamics will play out in the lead-up to May 2026.