Dan Thomas Would Consider Crime Donor for Security Funding if Necessary

Dan Thomas, Reform UK leader in Wales, says he would consider accepting a donation from a convicted criminal if urgently needed to fund security, supporting Nigel Farage's resignation to trigger a by-election amid allegations of criminal assistance.

Dan Thomas Comments on Accepting Donations from Convicted Criminals

Dan Thomas, leader of Reform UK in Wales, stated that he would consider accepting a donation from a convicted criminal if he urgently needed funds to pay for security.

Thomas made these remarks while supporting Nigel Farage's decision to resign as an MP to trigger a by-election.

Farage resigned following a report alleging he received assistance from a convicted criminal prior to the 2024 general election.

Thomas said he was unaware of the "details of the donations" but understood why someone might accept a donation to ensure their family's safety.

According to a report in the Sunday Times, George Cottrell provided support to Farage, including arranging security and social media staff.

George Cottrell's lawyers have denied the allegations in the report, describing them as "false and misleading," while Reform UK stated that no rules had been broken.

Nigel Farage has announced his resignation to trigger a by-election in the Clacton constituency.

Dan Thomas Discusses Security Needs and Support for Farage

Speaking to BBC Cymru, Dan Thomas said:

"Rydw i wedi bod allan yn ymgyrchu gydag e - mae angen y diogelwch yna arno, dydy e ddim yn rhad.

"Os mai dyna'r unig ffordd i mi gael y diogelwch roedd ei angen arna i, byddwn i'n ei ystyried."

He also mentioned that his own family had faced threats during the Senedd election campaign, which helped him understand why someone might accept a donation to secure their safety.

Political Reactions and Public Opinion

When asked if he found the allegations credible, Thomas responded:

"Ydyn, ac rydw i'n cefnogi Nigel 100%."

He added that he believed Farage was "doing the right thing" by seeking the opinion of Clacton voters through a by-election.

Thomas commented that the public had grown tired of the ongoing attacks against Farage:

"Maen nhw wedi mynd ar ei ôl gyda'r hyn a ddywedodd pan oedd yn 15 oed, nawr maen nhw'n mynd ar ei ôl am hyn."

Opposition Response

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru leader in Westminster, Liz Saville Roberts, criticized Farage's decision, stating that he was "cursing his own ego and wasting taxpayers' money in the process."

She described the move to trigger a by-election as a "last-ditch attempt to misuse the system to avoid impartial scrutiny."