Richard Tice Accuses Former Reform Candidate Sarah Cooper-Lesadd of Deceit Over Political Affiliation

Richard Tice, leader of Reform UK, has criticised Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, a former Reform candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, alleging she “lied about her beliefs”. Cooper-Lesadd recently announced her defection to Plaid Cymru, citing a belief that Reform UK had shifted its political stance.

Following her move, Cooper-Lesadd confirmed she had voted to Remain in the 2016 EU referendum, a position at odds with Reform UK's foundational anti-EU principles. Mr Tice stated, “Sarah Cooper-Lesadd was a Reform UK prospective parliamentary candidate, signed all the documents, and attended events. For her to now claim to be pro-EU shows she misled us, and the public, about her true political convictions.”

Plaid Cymru confirmed Cooper-Lesadd has joined the party and expressed enthusiasm for her contributions. Cooper-Lesadd contended that Reform UK's political direction had become unrecognisable from its original platform. However, Reform UK officials maintain their core principles have remained constant since the party's inception as the Brexit Party.