Lidl denies Reform councillor formally opened Cwmbran store

A grocery store chain has complained to a Reform UK councillor after he posted footage of himself slicing a ribbon on the opening of a brand new retailer.

Final week David Thomas stated on social media that he had “formally” opened a brand new Lidl in Cwmbran, posing alongside retailer staff, and two different Reform councillors.

However the low cost grocery store stated no official ribbon slicing occurred and no formal invites had been issued. Thomas’ submit was later deleted.

The Torfaen councillor stated Lidl’s criticism was “absolute nonsense”, accused the shop of not desirous to be related together with his occasion, and stated he had been invited by a Torfaen council official.

The council stated a “junior member” of its “employability crew” had emailed the councillor concerning the opening time of the brand new retailer.

Thomas’ allegation in opposition to Lidl performing politically was disputed by a supply on the grocery store who stated it mirrored his opinion “fairly than the very fact”.

Thomas made headlines earlier this week when it emerged he was listed as a composer on songs that embody crude language about ladies.

Reform claimed that he didn’t create the songs. Labour known as the lyrics “misogynistic” and stated he ought to resign.

Thomas, who represents the Llantarnam ward in Torfaen, hopes to face as a candidate on the Senedd election in 2026.

Reform believes it can win a number of seats in Cardiff Bay.

On the social media platform X on 6 February, Thomas stated he was “completely thrilled to have the consideration of formally opening the gorgeous, futuristic new [Lidl] retailer in Cwmbran as we speak”.

He posted an image of him holding a big pair of crimson scissors, alongside Torfaen’s different two Reform councillors, Jason O’Connell and Alan Slade. Different footage confirmed him trying across the retailer.

An identical message was posted to Fb.

All three Reform councillors joined the occasion final 12 months.

Lidl stated in a press release: “Whereas our retailer openings are sometimes attended by native officers of their capability as elected neighborhood representatives, we’re a non-partisan enterprise and don’t affiliate with any political occasion.

“On this event, no formal invites have been issued, and there was no official ribbon-cutting at our Cwmbran retailer opening.”

It confirmed it had contacted the councillor “to request amendments for accuracy in relation to their social media posts and to be able to elevate considerations from colleagues who had not consented to the exterior use of their photos”.

The grocery store stated that the pictures have been taken “spontaneously after the shop had already opened to clients”.

Thomas advised NUZTO Wales he was invited to the opening by Torfaen council officers, and disputed that the pictures have been taken spontaneously.

He stated he had been proven across the retailer, and had been given a pair of scissors to chop the ribbon.

“That is absolute nonsense. That is political. The one purpose they requested us to take their photographs down is after they realised we have been members of Reform UK.”

He added: “Do you actually assume that we simply turned up there on a whim at half previous seven within the morning to freeze?”