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Does anyone know if theres only 2 wires connecting to the dimmer switch.
That's all that should be needed....
.. however from your photo looks like both wires going to same terminal...
.....so it would be just acting as a connector (dimmer function bypassed)
<EDIT> Thinks.... perhaps there is a 3rd wire that normal connects that is missing.... could explain lack of dash ligts.. perhaps more... <EDIT>
When connected up normally - the dimmer is also an on/off switch -when you twist the knob it will click near the extreme end of one rotation - that will be OFF. So can explain why Dash lights aren't on. Shouldn't be an issue in this case the way it is currently wired......
I know in my Clubman I sometimes have to jiggle the dimmer switch about to get the dash lights working..... I think it may be getting corroded internally... a bypass may be needed

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Does i need the regulator thingy??
This looks like an after-market wiper delay switch .... eg intermittent wipers.
So don't
need it.... and not sure how it's wired in..... so be careful if trying to remove.
As for your side-light / dash etc issue - if the fuse is looking OK...
A. Checked Earth connections.
B. The light switch itself is connected OK - wire hasn't fallen off the back / dirty connection ?