Reform UK Eyes Historic Gains in 2026 Welsh Parliament Election

Reform UK is positioning itself as a serious contender for the next Senedd election in Wales, with spokesman Oliver Lewis claiming that winning up to 40 seats in the 96-member assembly is feasible. Currently without representation, Reform aims to capitalize on a newly adopted proportional electoral system. The party has seen significant growth, drawing 50,000 new members recently and increasing its vote share in the last UK general election to 16.9%, surpassing both Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats. Polling suggests that Reform could secure between 14 to 17 seats in the 2026 elections, driven by the popularity of its leader, Nigel Farage.

The article discusses the concerns of existing parties, such as Labour and Plaid Cymru, which caution that a vote for Reform might lead to a Tory government and criticize Reform for lacking a comprehensive plan for Welsh public services. Lewis insists that their campaign will focus on broader reform issues rather than immigration, which is less significant in Welsh politics compared to other parts of the UK. He emphasizes that the party intends to address the quality of healthcare and education in Wales.

Politics Wales is set for increased scrutiny as Reform UK aims to transform the political landscape, with discussions planned on BBC Wales regarding the party’s strategy and ambitions ahead of the election.