'Divisive' Reform UK criticised in byelection debate

Reform UK has been accused of sowing division over immigration in the south Welsh valleys constituency of Caerphilly before next week's crucial Senedd byelection.

- Steven Morris

During a fiery candidates' debate, Nigel Farage's party was criticised for using immigrants to score political points. An audience member said that people like her who had someone born outside the UK in her family no longer felt welcome in the area since Reform had arrived to campaign and had advised her sons to avoid certain places.

A new poll, released yesterday, suggested Reform was leading the race for the Welsh parliament seat, with 42% of people saying they would support the party, followed by Plaid Cymru (38%), with Labour trailing on 12% and the Tories on 4%.

If the poll proves accurate, it would be a huge blow to Labour, which has always held the Caerphilly Senedd and Westminster seats and currently runs the Welsh government. A previous poll suggested the party could also be pushed into third place in next year's full Senedd elections.