Overview
- Late in May, multiple outlets reported that Corey Edwards is listed in the Senedd’s internal system as a special adviser to Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas, confirming an active appointment after he had stood down as a candidate.
- A photograph that circulated in March showed Edwards with his right arm raised and a finger under his nose in a pose widely interpreted as a Nazi salute; Reform UK said the image dated from 2019 and Edwards apologised, calling it misinterpreted.
- Edwards withdrew as Reform’s candidate for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg before the May 7 election, saying he was stepping back for reasons linked to his mental health.
- Opposition parties Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour condemned the adviser listing and questioned Reform’s judgment, while party figures including Nigel Farage and MS Llŷr Powell defended Edwards and attacked critics; Reform also declined to comment on staffing.
- Additional footage reported by outlets showed Edwards apparently filming while driving and drinking from a bottle, and the appointment is likely to deepen scrutiny of Reform now that it is the Senedd’s second-largest party and must manage reputational risk.