In a dramatic turn of events just ahead of the Welsh Conservatives’ annual conference, two top aides have defected to the rival Reform UK party. This unexpected shift comes as leader Darren Millar prepares to rally support for the upcoming Senedd elections, amid growing concerns about the party’s standing in the polls.
High-Profile Defections
The defections of Zak Weaver, Millar’s former deputy chief of staff, and senior communications officer Tomos Llewelyn, have sent shockwaves through the Conservative ranks. Both individuals have decided to join Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, a party that Millar has openly dismissed as unserious and more focused on merchandise than governance.
Speaking before his conference address in Llandudno, Millar downplayed the significance of the defections, asserting that “nobody” is concerned about who works in his office. However, this defection adds to a troubling trend for the Conservatives, who are already grappling with other notable losses, including ex-Members of the Senedd Laura Anne Jones and James Evans.
Election Pressure Mounts
As the party gears up for the 7 May Senedd elections, internal strife could not come at a worse time. Recent opinion polls suggest a potential fourth-place finish for the Conservatives, which poses a serious threat to their position in Welsh politics. Millar has insisted that the public is primarily focused on issues surrounding the Labour government, rather than the upheaval within his party.
“People are interested in the scandals engulfing the UK Labour government,” he remarked, referencing various controversies involving Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Yet, the increasing number of defections may raise questions about Millar’s leadership and the viability of his campaign.
A Staunch Critique of Rivals
In his conference speech, Millar didn’t hold back in his criticism of both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. He labelled Plaid as extremists, asserting that their ultimate goal is to separate Wales from the rest of the UK, which he claims would threaten citizens’ pensions and their ability to work or study across the nation.
Millar also took aim at Reform, accusing them of lacking credible solutions and merely seeking to be the largest opposition party rather than aspiring to govern. “They are a limited company more interested in selling football shirts and merchandise at events than running a country,” he said, reiterating his stance that Reform is not a serious contender in the political landscape.
The State of Welsh Politics
As Millar prepares to address the conference, he paints a bleak picture of Wales under Labour rule. He described the nation as “broken” after 27 years of Labour governance, citing failures in education, health, and the economy. “Wales is the sick man of Britain. It’s not good enough,” he stated emphatically, signalling an urgent need for change.
With the election looming and internal divisions deepening, the future of the Welsh Conservatives hangs in the balance. Millar’s confidence may be waning, but the party’s ability to unite and present a coherent alternative remains to be seen.
Why it Matters
The defections from the Welsh Conservatives to Reform UK not only highlight growing discontent within the party but also signal a potential shift in the political landscape of Wales. As the Senedd elections approach, these developments could reshape voter perceptions and influence the outcome, making the Conservatives’ path to recovery more challenging than ever. In a time of political realignment, the ability of parties to maintain cohesion will be crucial in shaping the future of Welsh governance.
