WALES — Reform UK secured second place in the May 2026 Welsh elections. The party increased its vote share from 1% in 2021 to 29% in 2026. Plaid Cymru won the elections, ending 100 years of Labour dominance. Reform UK now holds more than a third of the seats in the newly expanded Senedd.

Joe Martins, a Reform MS for Caerdydd Penarth, differentiated between Ukrainian and Sudanese refugees during first minister's questions, alleging that only Sudanese refugees commit violent crimes. Martins asked Rhun ap Iorwerth what actions would be taken to avoid "the next inevitable attack."

During a debate, Martins alleged that Welsh students are unable to read and that Indian nurses are taking Welsh jobs. Comments by Martins led to a walkout by some Plaid Cymru, Labour, and Green MSs. Martins was rebuked by the Senedd llywydd, and he has since remained quiet in plenary sessions. Plaid Cymru filed a formal complaint regarding Martins' comments.

Labour MS Shav Taj responded to Martins' comments by discussing her parents' immigration experience. "To conflate the issue of immigration with the Nation of Sanctuary [a Welsh government initiative] and … some of the vile stuff we've just been hearing is actually really shocking," Taj said.

Dan Thomas, Reform UK Wales leader, stated, "It is unsurprising that new voices challenging longstanding consensus are drawing criticism from the establishment." He added, "Reform Wales operate within the rules of the Senedd and are focused on making reasoned, evidence-based arguments on behalf of the people we represent. [We] believe that is part of a healthy democracy. Our role is to raise concerns and put forward perspectives that, in many cases, have not been properly represented in the Senedd. We will continue to do so and within the standards expected of elected members, constructively."

In a vote on Plaid Cymru's childcare plans, one-third of Reform MSs voted in favor of a motion that included an amendment noting Reform UK had no commitments on childcare in its Welsh manifesto. Reform UK will chair five of the 13 Senedd committees, including the climate change, environment, sustainability, and rural affairs committee. A Reform motion calling for a new statutory lobbying register passed with cross-party support.

Reform UK has tabled a debate for next week on Wales' Nation of Sanctuary programme. The programme primarily assists Ukrainian refugees. A supplementary budget vote is scheduled for next month.