Key Points
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch denied claims of no free speech in her party during a visit to the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on Friday.
- Former senior Welsh Tory James Evans, sacked as shadow health secretary and had the whip removed, accused the party of stifling free speech and criticism.
- Evans criticised Badenoch’s “Britain isn’t broken” comment, saying “Britain is broken” and the party needs change after the previous Conservative UK government’s failures.
- Two days before his sacking on 20 January by Tory Senedd leader Darren Millar, Evans refused to rule out defecting to Reform UK in a BBC Wales interview.
- Badenoch backed Millar’s decision, stating there is room for different views but no place for those talking deals with rival parties like Reform or Labour.
- Evans, now independent MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, said the party no longer represents his conservative values and politics should be a “broad church.”
- Badenoch affirmed she is “very happy to hear from people who have different views” but prioritises a stronger country, economy, and borders.
Cardiff Bay (Cardiff Daily) January 31, 2026 – Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch firmly denied accusations from sacked Welsh Tory James Evans that her party suppresses free speech, insisting there is ample room for differing views during her first visit to the Senedd. Evans, who lost the party whip and his role as shadow health secretary, had lambasted the Conservatives for not tolerating criticism after engaging with Reform UK. Badenoch backed the expulsion decision by Senedd leader Darren Millar, warning that overtures to rival parties cross a line.
- Key Points
- Who is James Evans and Why Was He Sacked?
- What Did Kemi Badenoch Say in Response?
- Does the Conservative Party Allow Free Speech?
- What Led to James Evans’ BBC Wales Interview?
- How Did Darren Millar Justify the Sacking?
- What is Reform UK’s Role in This Dispute?
- When and Where Did Badenoch Visit the Senedd?
- Why Does Evans Say the Party Must Change?
- Has Badenoch Faced Similar Situations Before?
- What are the Broader Implications for Welsh Tories?
- Timeline of Events
Who is James Evans and Why Was He Sacked?
James Evans, the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Brecon and Radnorshire, faced swift disciplinary action from the Welsh Conservatives. On 20 January, Tory Senedd leader Darren Millar removed the whip from Evans and sacked him as shadow health secretary. This followed a BBC Wales interview two days prior, where Evans declined to confirm he would not defect to Reform UK while criticising Badenoch.
As reported by BBC Wales coverage, Evans stated in that interview: “I don’t think that comment from Kemi is a right one.” He elaborated, “Britain is broken… we have to be honest about some of the things we got wrong,” referencing the previous Conservative UK government’s record. Evans added, “The party needs to change.”
Post-sacking, Evans issued a statement declaring he had “been concerned for some time over the direction of the Conservative Party at a UK level and I feel it no longer represents my conservative values and beliefs.” He emphasised that politics “should be a broad church of views and opinions, and it is a sad day when the party does not allow free speech or criticism.” In the Politics Wales programme, Evans reiterated that the Conservative Party “needs to change,” urging that “Kemi should reflect on” her claim that “Britain isn’t broken.”
What Did Kemi Badenoch Say in Response?
During her visit to the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on Friday, Badenoch directly addressed Evans’ comments when questioned by BBC Wales. She responded: “Of course there is room for free speech, I’m very happy to hear from people who have different views.”
Badenoch qualified her stance, saying: “Obviously I’m the leader, I want to see a stronger country, a stronger economy, stronger borders.” She drew a firm boundary: “But if people are spending time talking about how we can do deals with Reform and help other parties, or talking to Labour and wanting to do deals with Labour, then there is no place for them in the Conservative Party.”
She expressed full support for Millar’s actions, noting: “I’ve had to do similar things myself.” This underscores Badenoch’s position that while debate is welcome, collaboration with parties “trying to harm us” is not tolerated.
Does the Conservative Party Allow Free Speech?
The core dispute hinges on Evans’ assertion of curtailed free speech versus Badenoch’s defence of open dialogue within limits. Evans described his expulsion as “a sad day when the party does not allow free speech or criticism,” framing it as a departure from conservative principles.
Badenoch countered emphatically, affirming room for “different views” but distinguishing internal critique from external alliances. Her visit highlighted this tension, as she met Millar amid Welsh Conservative efforts to consolidate post-expulsion. Analysts note this reflects broader party discipline under Badenoch’s leadership since her election, amid Reform UK’s rising challenge.
What Led to James Evans’ BBC Wales Interview?
The trigger was Evans’ refusal to disavow Reform UK sympathies. In the interview, aired days before his sacking, he dodged defection questions while attacking Badenoch’s optimistic view of Britain’s state. “I don’t think that comment from Kemi is a right one,” Evans said, pivoting to national woes: “Britain is broken… we have to be honest about some of the things we got wrong.”
This echoed sentiments in his later Politics Wales appearance, where he called for party renewal. Evans’ Brecon and Radnorshire seat, now held independently, amplifies his critique in a region sensitive to Conservative shifts.
How Did Darren Millar Justify the Sacking?
Tory Senedd leader Darren Millar acted decisively on 20 January, citing Evans’ Reform engagements as untenable. While specific quotes from Millar are not detailed in reports, his decision aligned with Badenoch’s later endorsement during her Senedd visit. The swift whip removal signalled Welsh Tories’ intolerance for perceived disloyalty.
What is Reform UK’s Role in This Dispute?
Reform UK looms large, with Evans’ interview reluctance to rule out joining fuelling speculation. Badenoch explicitly referenced “deals with Reform” as grounds for exclusion, positioning it as a direct threat. Evans’ criticisms tie into Reform’s narrative of Conservative failures, intensifying intra-right rivalries.
When and Where Did Badenoch Visit the Senedd?
Badenoch’s first Senedd trip occurred on Friday in Cardiff Bay, coinciding with Evans fallout. Meeting Millar, she fielded questions on free speech, reinforcing party unity. This Cardiff Bay locale underscores devolved tensions within UK Conservatism.
Why Does Evans Say the Party Must Change?
Evans’ post-expulsion statement crystallised his rift: the Conservatives at UK level diverge from his “conservative values and beliefs.” He portrayed politics as a “broad church,” lamenting silenced criticism. His “Britain is broken” refrain challenges Badenoch’s vision, demanding honesty on past governance errors.
Has Badenoch Faced Similar Situations Before?
Badenoch alluded to precedent, stating: “I’ve had to do similar things myself.” This hints at prior purges or disciplines under her leadership, framing Evans’ case as consistent discipline rather than speech suppression.
What are the Broader Implications for Welsh Tories?
Evans’ independence as Brecon and Radnorshire MS weakens Welsh Conservatives, already reeling from UK election woes. Reform’s appeal in rural seats like his amplifies risks. Badenoch’s intervention signals central resolve to police devolved flanks amid leadership tests.
Timeline of Events
This episode exposes fault lines in Conservatism: loyalty versus liberty, unity versus critique. As Welsh MS Evans charts independence, Badenoch’s stance aims to fortify the party against Reform encroachments. Observers await if more dissent follows, testing her “stronger” vision pledge.
