Reform UK's Welsh leader Dan Thomas resigns following arrest

Reform UK's Dan Thomas has quit as the party's Welsh leader, after he was arrested on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour on Sunday.

Gwent Police said a 45-year-old man from Aberbargoed, in Caerphilly was bailed pending further enquiries.

In a statement issued by his party, Thomas said he was "standing down" from his position due to personal reasons. He said he had been "released without charge".

Thomas was appointed Welsh party leader by Nigel Farage in February.

Thomas said: "I stress that I have done nothing wrong, but I do not want the coming headlines to be a distraction from the fantastic work our Senedd team is doing in holding this government to account."

Thomas did not take part in First Minister's Questions earlier today.

Thomas said: "It has been the honour of my life to have been the leader of Reform Wales and see this party go from zero to 34 elected members and become the largest opposition group in Welsh history.

"With deep regret, I am now standing down from this position due to personal reasons.

"Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge."

He added: "I will continue to serve my constituents in Casnewydd Islwyn and will fully back whoever the group selects as its next leader."

Gwent Police said: "On Sunday 13 September a 45-year-old man, from the Aberbargoed area, was arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour.

"He has been bailed pending further enquiries."