Reform UK’s Dan Thomas has quit as the party’s Welsh leader after he was arrested on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour over the weekend.

Gwent Police said a 45-year-old man from the Aberbargoed area was arrested on Sunday, September 13.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Mr Thomas said he had been reported to police over the weekend and was released without charge.

Announcing his decision to step down, he said in a statement released by Reform: “It has been the honour of my life to have been the leader of Reform Wales and see this party go from zero to 34 elected members and become the largest opposition group in Welsh history. With deep regret, I am now standing down from this position due to personal reasons.

“Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge. I stress that I have done nothing wrong, but I do not want the coming headlines to be a distraction from the fantastic work our Senedd team is doing in holding this government to account.

“I will continue to serve my constituents in Casnewydd Islwyn and will fully back whoever the group selects as its next leader.”

Gwent Police said: "On Sunday, September 13, a 45-year-old man, from the Aberbargoed area, was arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour.

"He has been bailed pending further enquiries."