Last week marked the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, the worst in Welsh history in which the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip killed 116 children and 28 adults as it engulfed a junior school and a row of houses.
It was commemorated across Wales as it continues to be every anniversary – although perhaps never before in such a crass and tin-eared way as it was by Reform, who seemed to think it an opportunity to tie it to its own, entirely unrelated policies.
The party posted a video on, inevitably, X, titled “Remembering Aberfan” with a heart emoji. It featured Reform’s leader in Wales, Helen Jenner, sitting behind a desk and in front of Welsh and Union flags.
Over emotive music, she said: “60 years ago this week, the children of Aberfan went to school, but nearly half of them never came home.” Footage of the graves of those victims was then shown.
“116 children and 28 adults tragically lost their lives that day,” Jenner went on. “Our hearts are with the community of Aberfan and always will be.”
So far, so respectful. But while the music did not change, the tone of the address then took a screeching about-turn.
“At First Minister’s Questions I asked why Wales was still waiting for guidance on mobile phones in schools when England has already had a statutory ban in place since September 1. As a former teacher, I know what’s needed on this matter is clarity and not further delay,” said Jenner, weirdly appearing to imply the Aberfan disaster was somehow connected to technology not common in the UK until three decades later.
Then it got even odder. “[Reform MS] Jason O’Connell made the case that full-face coverings have no place in British public life. We here at Reform will continue to put the people of Wales first.”
The video went down as well as could be imagined – not just among rivals, but even among some in the Reform group in the Senedd, which continues to be divided among long-term Faragists (like Jenner) and more recent arrivals from the Conservatives. Could it be Jenner’s last anniversary tribute?
Incidentally, Jenner became leader of Reform in Wales just last month, succeeding Dan Thomas, who resigned after being arrested on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. Thomas remains on bail after a month. He has still not had the whip removed by his party.
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