Nigel Farage announced Dan Thomas as the new Welsh leader of Reform UK at a rally in Newport, highlighting his return to Welsh politics after previously leading in Barnet, London. Thomas, a former Barnet council leader, expressed his commitment to fighting for a majority in the upcoming Senedd election, emphasizing policies such as scrapping the 20mph speed limit and criticizing Labour and Plaid Cymru for their policies on motorists and independence. The event also saw the defection of Powys MS James Evans to Reform UK, with Farage describing the party as 'absolutely packed with Tories jumping ship.' Critics, including First Minister Eluned Morgan, accused Reform of being 'recycled Tories,' while Labour and Plaid Cymru attacked the party's credibility. Farage and Thomas criticized the Welsh NHS, the 'war on motorists,' and expressed intentions to restore Welsh national pride. The rally featured media training from Jeremy Kyle and Colin Brazier, and was marked by hostile interactions with the press. Despite the hostile environment, Farage and Thomas maintained their campaign focus, with Farage criticizing Sir Keir Starmer over the Mandelson appointment and asserting Reform's potential to influence Welsh politics.