Welsh Conservative Leadership Contest Commences Following Andrew RT Davies’ Resignation

Andrew RT Davies’ decision to step down as Welsh Conservative leader in the Senedd, amid divisions among Tory politicians, has initiated a potential leadership contest, with no obvious leading candidate emerging. For some time, it has been widely believed within Welsh political circles that several Tory Members of the Senedd (MSs) harbor ambitions for the leadership role. By late on Tuesday, Darren Millar was the sole individual to declare their candidacy. Theoretically, the group could unite behind a single candidate, thereby avoiding a contest. However, if two or more individuals express interest, Conservative party members will ultimately determine the outcome. The successful candidate will guide the party through the significant Senedd elections scheduled for 2026, where recent surveys indicate the party currently ranks fourth, trailing Plaid, Labour, and Reform. Davies tendered his resignation on Tuesday, having narrowly survived a vote of no confidence with nine votes in his favor and seven against. He has confirmed he will not participate in the upcoming leadership race. Darren Millar, the Conservative chief whip, was the initial individual to announce his candidacy on Tuesday afternoon, pledging to bring unity to the Welsh Conservatives. Elected in 2007, Millar is recognized as an effective media presence who has previously been considered a potential leadership candidate, though he has not contested the position before. As the party’s NHS spokesman, he consistently delivered forceful contributions in the Senedd regarding the Welsh health service, with a particular focus on North Wales’ Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Millar serves as a trustee for the Evan Roberts Institute, a Christian charity that has faced scrutiny due to its connection with pastor Yang Tuck Yoong, who has been criticized for expressing homophobic views. Millar has stated that he does not support these views. Notably, Millar is the sole individual mentioned in this overview who backed Andrew RT Davies during the vote of confidence; the other potential candidates listed subsequently opposed him on Tuesday. He possesses sufficient support among Tory MSs to qualify as a candidate, having received endorsements from individuals such as Tom Giffard and James Evans, both of whom were initially seen as potential contenders but have since withdrawn their names. While some Tory activists advocate for the abolition of the Senedd, Samuel Kurtz firmly belongs to the Conservative party’s pro-devolution faction. In 2022, he diverged from Tory policy by advocating for an expanded Senedd, stating that the existing structure with 60 members “doesn’t feel like it works properly”. Similar to the departing leader, Andrew RT Davies, his background is in agriculture, having been born and raised on a farm near Fishguard in north Pembrokeshire. The shadow economy minister previously chaired the Pembrokeshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs and worked as a reporter before transitioning to a role as a parliamentary aide. He is considered a prospective leadership candidate, though his interest in the role remains unconfirmed. Sam Rowlands secured election to the Senedd in 2021, representing the North Wales region in Cardiff Bay. He possesses prior experience as a frontline local politician, having previously served as the leader of Conwy council. Prior to that, he held a position as a credit risk manager at HSBC bank. Rowlands was born in Bangor and spent his early years in Penygroes, close to Caernarfon, before relocating to Abergele at the age of nine. He currently occupies the prominent role of shadow health spokesman, and should he secure the leadership, his more reserved demeanor would present a notable contrast to Andrew RT Davies’ style. Rowlands previously put forward legislation aimed at providing every state school pupil with the opportunity to attend an outdoor education center, a proposal that ultimately did not gain the Senedd’s approval. Prospective candidates will be required to secure nominations from three fellow Tories, with submissions due by 17:00 GMT on 5 December. In the event of more than two candidates, the group will conduct secret ballots until the field is narrowed to two individuals. Should there be two candidates, a ballot involving the party membership will then be held. The successful candidate will not formally hold the title of leader of the Welsh Conservatives overall; in contrast to Scotland, the leader’s authority extends solely to the group of Tories within the Senedd. Nevertheless, they will assume the role of leader of the opposition in the Senedd, engaging with Eluned Morgan during her weekly first minister’s questions. Further reporting was contributed by Adrian Browne. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.