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Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has indicated that a post-election alliance with Reform UK in Wales remains a possibility following the Welsh Parliament elections scheduled for next May. Current polling ahead of the vote shows Reform UK is poised to surpass the Conservatives in an expanded 96-member Senedd. However, Badenoch was clear that any decision about forming a coalition government would ultimately be determined by Darren Millar, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives in Cardiff Bay. Responding to these developments, a spokesperson from Reform UK Wales described the upcoming election as a “two-horse race between Reform and Plaid Cymru.”
Polling data reflects a tight contest between Reform UK and Plaid Cymru as they vie for the position of the largest party in the Senedd. Given the complexities of the voting system, it is considered unlikely that any single party will secure an outright majority, making post-election deals or coalitions an expected outcome. When questioned on the potential for cooperation with Reform UK, Badenoch ruled out any coalition agreement with Nigel Farage’s party at the Westminster level for the forthcoming general election. Nevertheless, she left room for “local level” partnerships, where Conservatives might collaborate with other parties if no clear winner emerges.
Badenoch emphasized that the Conservative Party currently maintains coalitions with Labour and the Liberal Democrats in some areas and is open to considering further partnerships that support the delivery of conservative policies. “What does that look like? Lower taxes, getting people into work, making sure we have a growing economy, stronger borders where that is the policy, and controlling crime and the disorder we have in many places,” she said. She also expressed her trust in Darren Millar to manage post-election negotiations in the Welsh Parliament, stating, “Darren Millar is the person who knows exactly what is going to be needed after the election in the Senedd. I trust him completely.” Meanwhile, a Reform UK Wales spokesperson argued that both Conservative and Labour voters are increasingly turning to Reform, warning that a Conservative vote could inadvertently lead to Plaid Cymru dominance and the implementation of what they described as “more extreme policies.”
During her visit to Monmouth, Badenoch met with local business owners affected by severe flooding caused by Storm Claudia earlier this month. Andrea Sholl, who owns Bar 125, described the financial strain caused by flood damage, suggesting some businesses might never recover. She estimated that costs related to staff, lost revenue, and repairs could amount to approximately £250,000, adding, “We’re having to use all our own savings.” Similarly, Rachael Davis, who runs Pause and Paws Monmouth—a shop that opened only months ago—shared how the flooding destroyed her entire stock and equipment. Without insurance due to the shop’s proximity to the river, she expects the restoration to take up to six months. Gillian Haycock, responsible for managing an apartment complex for elderly residents, recounted the evacuation process and ongoing disruption, with repairs not anticipated before February.
The flooding in Monmouth was caused by the River Monnow overflowing during Storm Claudia, which led to widespread damage throughout the town. In response, Welsh Government ministers have introduced grants of up to £3,000 for affected businesses in Monmouthshire. These efforts follow an earlier support package of £2.5 million, which included grants ranging from £500 to £1,000 for damaged homes. This financial assistance is aimed at helping the community recover from the extensive impact of the flooding earlier this month
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