Senedd member switches from Reform UK to Plaid Cymru, sparking voter backlash

Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, a Senedd representative for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg, announced she has left Reform UK and joined Plaid Cymru, citing the former’s lack of seriousness about governing Wales and its treatment of vulnerable people. Cooper-Lesadd argued that Reform’s tactics involve scapegoating and dehumanising voters for political gain, a approach she refuses to support. She highlighted her own background in care as a driver for representing overlooked communities.

The defection brings Plaid Cymru’s Senedd count to 44, and the party said her admission was processed through a proper internal review. Reform UK’s Welsh leader Dan Thomas recently resigned after a police report, adding further turmoil to the party. Commenters on the story questioned whether elected officials should trigger by-elections when changing parties, emphasizing democratic concerns.