Laura Anne Jones MS defects to Reform UK as Labour describe Tories as a ‘sinking ship’

In a high-profile switch that has sent shockwaves through Welsh politics, Laura Anne Jones MS has left the Welsh Conservatives to join Reform UK, becoming the party’s first Member of the Senedd (MS).

Announcement at Royal Welsh Show

Jones made the announcement at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells on 22 July 2025, during a press conference with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and former Conservative cabinet minister David Jones.
She described the Conservative Party as “unrecognisable” and said it was no longer the one she joined over three decades ago. Reform, she added, “speaks to me,” and aligns more with her vision for Wales.

Political Background

Laura Anne Jones first served in the National Assembly from 2003 to 2007, before returning as MS for South Wales East in 2020 following the death of Mohammad Asghar.
She held shadow ministerial roles covering equalities, housing, education, culture, and local government until a December 2024 reshuffle, when she joined the frontline under leader Darren Millar.

Senedd Investigation & Clearance

Earlier in 2024, Jones faced scrutiny over alleged expenses fraud and was also criticised for past racist comments. She was cleared by South Wales Police of fraudulent activity in December, though inquiries by the Senedd Standards Commissioner are ongoing.

Political Fallout & Reaction

• Darren Millar, leader of the Conservative group in the Senedd, said he was “disappointed” and argued that Conservative voters in South Wales East “will feel very let down by her announcement.” He contrasted Reform’s platform as “high tax and high spend.”

• Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth called it “yet another desperate Tory defection” and warned that Wales shouldn’t be “a plaything for those who want to set the country on a road to ruin.”

• A Labour spokesperson dismissed Reform as “just the Tories in teal ties” and claimed neither party cares about the people of Wales.”

• Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick insisted Reform has “no answers for Wales” and sees it as “a vehicle for failed Conservative politicians.”

Reform UK’s Strategic Gain

Nigel Farage described Jones’s defection as a “big step forward for [the party] in Wales,” emphasizing her experience and understanding of Senedd procedures.”
The move is widely interpreted as a bid to boost Reform’s profile in Wales ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, where recent polls suggest they could overtake both the Tories and Labour — even challenging Plaid Cymru for dominance.”

Election Context & Future Prospects

With Wales adopting a new 96-seat Senedd in 2026, Jones faced a difficult internal contest for ranking on the Conservative list for Monmouthshire and Torfaen. While critics suggest that fear of losing her place may have influenced her decision, Jones rejected that claim, stating she had “a fair chance” of re-election.”

Farage said Reform has yet to appoint a formal leader in Wales, though he hinted that could change soon—and Jones did not rule out playing that central role herself.

Welsh Labour describe Tories as a ‘sinking ship’

In response to Laura Anne Jones defecting to Reform, a Welsh Labour spokesperson said: 

“Today’s defection is further proof that Reform are just the Tories in teal ties. Neither party cares about the people of Wales. 

“Laura Anne Jones has seen the polls and, in a desperate attempt to keep her Senedd seat, is leaving the sinking Tory ship. This is someone who backed Liz Truss’ reckless economics which crashed the economy, lost her front bench role over expenses claims and her own party said they were embarrassed by her racist slur in a WhatsApp group. 

“She claims she’s now part of the solution not the problem. Reform have no plan for Wales only Welsh Labour is listening and delivering for the people of Wales.“ 

Framing the Dilemma: A Devil’s Advocate Take

Labour’s gleeful criticism of the crumbling Welsh Conservatives may play well in the short term — but in reality, they could be underestimating the vacuum they’re helping to widen. In attacking the Tories so aggressively, and mocking their decline, Labour is missing a strategic truth:

Disillusioned Conservative voters aren’t flocking to Labour. They’re flocking to Reform UK — or staying home.

By diminishing the Tories without offering a meaningful policy bridge for centre-right voters, Welsh Labour may be clearing the battlefield for Reform UK to sweep in and consolidate the anti-Labour vote.

Unintended Consequences for Labour

• Demonising the Tories may accelerate their collapse — but it won’t convert their base.

• Mocking defections like Laura Anne Jones’s might energise Reform’s profile more than it damages their credibility.

• Labour could be ignoring the ideological hunger on the right, mistaking Tory decline for right-wing decline.

Conclusion: Be Careful What You Wish For

Welsh Labour may be laughing at the Conservative implosion, but it should consider this:

In clearing the wreckage, you might be paving the road — not for yourself, but for your most disruptive rival.

Labour’s real challenge in 2026 may not be holding off Plaid Cymru — but preventing Reform UK from becoming the new voice of working-class protest in parts of Wales once seen as Labour or Tory heartlands.