ANDREW RT DAVIES has stepped down as leader of the Welsh Conservatives after narrowly surviving a confidence vote within his party.
In a letter announcing his resignation, Davies expressed regret, stating that his position had become “untenable” after some Members of the Senedd (MSs) threatened to resign from his frontbench if he remained in post.
The vote, held on Tuesday morning, saw Davies secure nine votes in support but faced opposition from seven MSs. Reflecting on the outcome, he said: “It was clear from the result that a substantial minority of the group do not support our approach.”
Davies has served as leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd for most of the past 13 years. His departure marks the end of a tenure defined by both challenges and significant contributions to the party in Wales.
Commenting on the resignation, Reform UK Wales Spokesman, Oliver Lewis said: “True to form, the Tories have turfed out another leader thinking that will resurrect their failing party. They care more about jousting for position than they do about serving Welsh people.
“It does not matter who they have as leader, the simple fact is they have failed in opposition just as they failed Wales in Government in Westminster for 14 years.
“The people of Wales want real change in 2026 and that is just what we plan to offer them. Wales needs Reform.”