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A leading figure within the Welsh Conservative Party has been expelled after expressing intentions to join Reform UK. James Evans has been dismissed from the shadow cabinet and had the party whip withdrawn, effectively making him an independent member, according to Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar.
Millar explained that the decision was made on Tuesday morning after Evans informed him that he was still in discussions with representatives from Reform UK about possibly defecting. This came despite Evans having given Millar personal assurances just the previous Friday that he had turned down an approach from Reform. In response, Evans confirmed in a statement that he is being forced out of the party, which he claims no longer aligns with his values.
The process to remove Evans from the party membership is reportedly underway. Speculation about his potential defection increased following a BBC interview on Sunday, where Evans criticized UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and refused to clarify if he had contacted Reform UK. Additionally, Evans edited a Facebook post on Monday to remove a mention of his Tory affiliation. Evans, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire in the Senedd, said he would take time to consider his political future, expressing concerns over the direction of the Conservative Party at the national level. He added, “Politics should be a broad church of views and opinions, and it is a sad day when the party does not allow free speech or criticism.”
Darren Millar emphasized his expectations that all Welsh Conservative members and candidates remain fully committed to the party and its agenda to improve Wales. After reflecting on Evans’ actions, Millar stated, “Regrettably, James was unable to give me that commitment.” The move to remove Evans follows months of rumours suggesting his interest in joining Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which he had denied throughout most of 2025. Evans previously criticized his Senedd Tory colleague Laura Anne Jones for joining Reform in the summer, accusing her of lacking principles. He also remarked during a debate in Cardiff Bay in 2025 that Farage “will say anything to get a vote.” This event comes shortly after former shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick defected to Reform UK following his dismissal by Badenoch.
Welsh Labour responded to the controversy by stating, “Wales is proud of its recycling record, but Reform really are proving themselves to be the biggest recycler of Tories.” Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick criticized the Conservative Party, describing it as being in “complete disarray.
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