Corey Edwards Appointed Reform UK Welsh Leader Adviser Weeks After Nazi Salute Photo
Corey Edwards, a former Senedd election candidate, has been appointed as a special adviser to Reform UK’s Welsh leader, Dan Thomas, just weeks after he withdrew his candidacy following the publication of a photograph in which he appeared to perform a Nazi salute.
Edwards had resigned as a Reform candidate for the Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg seat in late March, citing mental health issues, after Nation.Cymru published the image. Despite this, he is now listed on an internal Senedd system as an adviser to Thomas.
The photograph, which Reform stated was taken in 2019, showed Edwards with his right arm raised and a finger to his nose. At the time, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage offered qualified support, suggesting Edwards was impersonating Basil Fawlty, while Edwards himself also referenced Welsh footballer Wayne Hennessey.
Plaid Cymru and Labour have both criticised the appointment. Plaid stated the move “will raise eyebrows,” and Labour questioned the “judgement of those running Reform UK.” Reform UK declined to comment on its staffing decisions, instead responding with a deflection regarding a past Labour appointment, stating, “The Labour prime minister appointed Peter Mandelson, known close friend of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, to our most senior diplomatic role [of US ambassador]. They are in no position to lecture others about judgement.”
Edwards’ LinkedIn profile indicates his political career began in October 2019 as a senior parliamentary assistant in the House of Commons, later working for former Conservative MP David TC Davies.
