Darren Millar: Welsh Conservatives Consolidate Support for New Leader

A new leader has been appointed without opposition following the previous leader’s removal. This mirrors a trend in Welsh politics in 2024, specifically recalling the circumstances in which Eluned Morgan became Welsh Labour leader earlier in the summer. For both leaders, the primary objective is unity. Both begin their tenures with significant backing from their Senedd colleagues, despite underlying internal disagreements. Members of the Senedd for the Welsh Conservatives assert their ability to rally behind Millar, yet questions remain regarding the party’s long-term strategy. Millar’s immediate priorities include stabilizing, and ideally enhancing, the Conservative vote, alongside presenting a persuasive and well-defined vision to voters whom the party is keen to engage. This week has seen numerous breakfast-related metaphors employed. Andrew RT Davies previously likened his robust “full fry-up” strategy to the “lighter muesli option” preferred by his detractors. These culinary analogies illustrate differing approaches to confronting challenges such as Reform UK and what he perceived as ideological Labour policies. Darren Millar appears to have adopted an intermediate stance, stating his preferred breakfast is “a bacon butty.” Supporters suggest Millar possesses widespread appeal, enabling him to campaign from a centrist position, having engaged with various political factions in his Clwyd West constituency. He is also likely cognizant that party unity, while crucial, does not inherently assure electoral success. The selection of a unity candidate by Labour MSs did not prevent a decline in their poll numbers. Looking beyond 2026, the question of future leadership arises. The younger generation of politicians did not put themselves forward this time, despite several having voted for the removal of Andrew RT Davies. Following 2026, they will have gained an additional 18 months of experience and a more defined understanding of Welsh voters’ sentiments. The immediate trajectory for the Welsh Conservative party appears to be established. However, this does not imply that their long-term path is nearing its conclusion. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.