Helen Jenner has been elected as the new leader of Reform UK in Wales.

The Bangor Conwy Môn MS succeeds Dan Thomas, following his arrest on suspicion of assault earlier this month.

She was elected on Monday following a vote among the party's Senedd members, which saw the former deputy leader defeat a rival bid from Jason O'Connell.

Jenner, who was elected to the Senedd in last May's elections, has also previously served as a shadow minister for education and the Welsh language.

Born in Neath and raised in Bodorgan, she worked as a teacher for fifteen years, and in 2019, she stood as a general election candidate for Reform - then known as The Brexit Party - in the Ynys Môn constituency.

Jenner said she was "thrilled to have the backing" of her Senedd colleagues and pledged to "continue challenging the Welsh political establishment".

She added: “Back in May the voters gave us a clear mandate to smash the establishment and to bring common sense to Cardiff Bay."

“Week in, week out, that’s exactly what we’ve done, and we’re not going to stop until we get the real change Wales deserves.”

UK leader Nigel Farage, who announced Jenner's election in Cardiff Bay, described her as a "longstanding and determined campaigner".

He said:: "I’ve known Helen for many, many years. She’s a determined campaigner and I think she will do a very good job.”

Dan Thomas, who served as Reform's leader in Wales for seven months, resigned last Tuesday following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controllin or coercive behaviour.

The Casnewydd Islwyn MS, who was released on bail pending further inquiries, has denied any wrongdoing.

Shortly before his resignation last Tuesday, Jenner stepped in to replace Thomas at First Minister's Questions.

Her election as the new Reform group leader in the Senedd means the leaders of the Welsh Government - namely First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth - and the opposition both hail from Anglesey.

Jenner's successor as Reform's Welsh deputy leader is expected to be chosen on Tuesday.