Reform MS Laura Anne Jones suspended from Senedd over racial slur

Reform MS Laura Anne Jones suspended from Senedd over racial slur

Laura Anne Jones, the sole representative of Reform UK in the Welsh Parliament, has been suspended from the Senedd chamber for a period of 14 days due to her use of a racial slur targeting Chinese people. The incident occurred in a WhatsApp conversation in August 2023 and led to a formal investigation into her conduct.

Jones, who switched allegiance from the Conservative Party to Reform UK during the summer, issued an apology for violating the parliament’s code of conduct by making offensive remarks. She acknowledged the seriousness of her actions and expressed regret for the language used in the private chat.

During an emotional address to the Senedd, Jones revealed the personal toll the investigations—conducted by both the police and the Senedd standards commissioner—had taken on her mental well-being. These inquiries, which also looked into claims of fraudulent expense claims, ultimately cleared her of those financial allegations.

The suspension, which was decided upon by fellow Senedd members, prohibits Jones from participating in parliamentary sessions for two weeks and includes a penalty of reduced pay. This disciplinary action serves as a consequence for breaching the expected standards of conduct within the Welsh Parliament

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