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Ex-Reform UK politician likens party's response to abuse allegations as 'like an abuser'

Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, who defected to Plaid Cymru, says she was on the receiving end of sexist and misogynistic behaviour

By LineZotpaper
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A former Reform UK politician has compared her former party's response to criticism to that of an abuser in a domestic abuse relationship, amid fresh allegations of sexism and misogyny. Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, who left Reform UK for Plaid Cymru last month, said she was not surprised by the claims and had personal experience of such behaviour.

Sarah Cooper-Lesadd, a Member of the Senedd for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg, was elected for Reform UK in May before switching to Plaid Cymru in September. In an interview with BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, she alleged a sexist and misogynistic culture within Reform UK and said she was 'on the receiving end' of such comments.

She pointed to two separate incidents, claiming a prominent party member told her she 'looked like a screamer' during a political rally. She also alleged the same member said she 'did not need to be elected', though the full comment was not provided.

Reform UK has called her claims 'outright fabrications' and said she should resign. The party's response comes ahead of an ITV undercover investigation due to be broadcast on Sunday evening, which has filmed several of the party's supporters and candidates over a 12-month period, with several making racist and sexist comments.

Reform UK said all those featured in the programme were under investigation, with some having resigned and others suspended.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The allegations deepen a crisis for Reform UK, a party that gained parliamentary seats in May's Senedd election.
  • The ITV investigation could further damage the party's reputation among voters and within the Welsh political landscape.
  • Cooper-Lesadd's defection and public criticism highlight internal divisions and potential fallout for the party's leadership.

Background

Reform UK is a right-wing populist political party that won several seats in the Welsh Parliament in May 2026. Sarah Cooper-Lesadd was elected as a Reform UK member but defected to Plaid Cymru in September. The party is now facing allegations of racism and sexism from an upcoming ITV undercover documentary.

Key Perspectives

Sarah Cooper-Lesadd: She alleges a culture of sexism and misogyny within Reform UK, based on personal experience, and says the party's response to criticism mirrors an abusive relationship. Reform UK: The party denies the allegations and calls them fabrications. It has called for Cooper-Lesadd to resign and has launched investigations into those featured in the ITV programme. ITV investigation: The undercover reporting is expected to air on Sunday evening and could provide further evidence of misconduct within the party.

What to Watch

  • The broadcast of the ITV undercover investigation on Sunday evening and any further allegations it reveals.
  • Whether Reform UK takes disciplinary action beyond suspensions and resignations.
  • Potential further defections from the party in the Senedd or among candidates.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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