Andrew RT Davies has resigned as leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd after a confidence vote.
The confidence vote on Tuesday morning in his leadership of the Welsh Conservatives group came back 9-7 in his favour, including his own vote.
He wrote to the Welsh Conservatives’ chairman afterwards saying the result showed that a “substantial minority” of his party do not support him and his position is “untenable”.
He said he would stand down once a new leader is elected.
With deep regret, I have today resigned as Leader of the Welsh Conservative Senedd Group.
— Andrew RT Davies (@AndrewRTDavies) December 3, 2024
Read my letter below. pic.twitter.com/1551GYkztt
He wrote: “Last week, a group of Senedd members approached me, threatening to resign their positions in shadow cabinet if I did not agree to step down as leader.
“I therefore requested a motion of confidence in my leadership to be held at a meeting this morning.
“This vote has now taken place. It was clear from the result that a substantial minority of the group do not support our approach, despite it being the only viable strategy available.
“While I would have been honoured to continue as leader, my position is consequently untenable.”
He was first elected leader of the Welsh Conservatives in 2011 and served in the role until June 2018, returning in 2021.
He was recently “censured” in the Senedd, an official reprimand noting disapproval of a member’s behaviour.
He fell foul of the rules over social media posts saying Wales had a “blanket” 20mph speed limit, despite there being exceptions to the policy and it only affecting built-up areas, and another which said former first minister Vaughan Gething’s government had embraced an “extreme ideology”.
In his resignation letter, he cited 20mph speed limits and the Sustainable Farming Scheme as an example of “divisive, ideologically motivated policies” from Labour ministers in the Senedd “propped up by Plaid Cymru nationalists”.
He said in his letter that he had been looking forward to leading the Welsh Tories into the Senedd elections in 2026 but that it was clear that party must “decide exactly what it stands for” going forward.
He will not be standing in the leadership contest.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said he wished Mr Davies well but that the Welsh Conservatives “offer no solutions” for the country’s challenges.
A fresh start for Wales is possible with @Plaid_Cymru - we’ll bring positive change, we’ll always demand fairness for Wales and for your community.
— Rhun ap Iorwerth (@RhunapIorwerth) December 1, 2024
So, are you with us?
Let’s make it happen together! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/JvopBcdRSf
He said: “The legacy of the Tories in Wales is one of chaos and cuts – a legacy that was roundly rejected at the ballot box this year.
“They offer no solutions for the challenges facing our communities and nor do they have a serious plan for government.
“Plaid Cymru stands ready to offer Wales a fresh start.
“While the Tories fight amongst themselves and Labour continues to let down our communities, Plaid Cymru is united and focused on delivering our vision to rebuild our economy, fix the NHS, demand fair treatment from UK Government and show real ambition for the future of our nation.”
