"Nigel Farage knows how to hold a room full of Reform supporters. I have watched him close-up at events in Newport, Port Talbot, Birmingham and Llandudno over the past 15 months and party members look like they hang on his every word. For many, whatever their reason for joining, Farage 'is' Reform. That makes the heavily-rumoured imminent appointment of a Welsh leader, just three months before Wales's Senedd election on 7 May, all the more intriguing."
"How much room is there in Reform for someone else to share the spotlight with Farage between now and May, and beyond? What sort of relationship will the new leader have with the man that some in the party refer to as "the boss"? Will that new leader be able to plough a distinctly Welsh path? Who will make the ultimate call if there is a difficult choice relating to Wales?"
Nigel Farage commands strong support at Reform events and many party members identify him as Reform. A Welsh leader appointment is imminent three months before the Senedd election on 7 May. Reform appears poised to unveil Wales-specific policies and pledges but currently has few. The party may need renewed momentum after a difficult autumn and possible polling plateau. Questions persist about how much autonomy a Welsh leader will have, the relationship with Farage, who will make final decisions on Welsh matters, and who will sign off the manifesto. Recent polling suggests the party could become the largest or largest opposition party in May.
Read at www.bbc.com
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