Who is Nigel Farage’s Latest Reform Recruit? Laura Anne Jones Defects From Tories Amid Controversies

In a major political shift, Welsh politician Laura Anne Jones has officially joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, leaving the Conservative Party after more than 30 years. The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Royal Welsh Show, where Farage introduced her as Reform UK’s newest and most high-profile Welsh recruit.

Her move adds to the growing list of senior Conservatives defecting to Farage’s party. Earlier this month, big names like Sir Jake Berry, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, and David Jones also made headlines by switching parties.

Why Did Laura Anne Jones Leave the Conservatives?

Standing beside Nigel Farage, Laura Anne Jones expressed deep disappointment with her former party.

“I’ve just suddenly felt that the Conservative Party was unrecognisable to me. It wasn’t the party that I joined over three decades ago,” she said.

She praised Reform UK for “listening to the people of Great Britain,” implying that the Tories have lost touch with voters.

Her defection reduces the Conservative representation in the Welsh Parliament to just 14 members, a worrying number with critical elections ahead next year.

From Waitressing to the Welsh Senedd

Laura Anne Jones was first elected to the Welsh Assembly in 2003, becoming one of the first female Conservative Assembly Members. Before entering politics, she was working as a waitress for £5 an hour.

Despite a drink-driving conviction in 2002, which led to a 12-month driving ban and a £75 fine, the Conservative Party supported her candidacy. Jones accepted responsibility at the time and said: “I’ve never justified drink-driving and the decision is one I deserve. I’ve never done it on purpose.”

After serving until 2007, she returned to politics in 2020 following the death of fellow Tory politician Mohammad Asghar. She was re-elected in 2021 to represent South Wales East.

Past Controversies Resurface

Laura Anne Jones’s political journey has not been without controversy. She has been involved in several scandals and public apologies over the years.

1. Racist Slur in WhatsApp Chat

In 2024, it was revealed that she had used a racist term for Chinese people in a private group chat while criticizing the social media app TikTok.
She wrote: “No c**y spies for me!”

She later issued a public apology, saying: “The word is unacceptable and I deeply regret using it. I sincerely apologise for any offence this has caused.”

2. “Chav Shooting” and Ed Miliband Joke

In 2021, old Facebook posts resurfaced where she wrote: “I would like to do a spot of Chav shooting… a shame that isn’t legal.”

In another post, she joked about becoming a “perfect shot” if she had the then-Labour leader Ed Miliband to aim at.

Although she wasn’t a sitting member of the Senedd when those posts were made, her comments sparked criticism. She later apologized for the remarks.

Final Thoughts

Laura Anne Jones’s decision to join Reform UK has shaken Welsh politics. Her move reflects broader discontent among many traditional Conservatives who believe the party no longer represents their values.

However, her political career has been overshadowed by controversial statements and personal mistakes, which Reform UK may now have to answer for as they campaign to grow their base.