In a significant turn of events within the Welsh Conservative party, Andrew RT Davies has revealed that there has been ongoing “plotting” among members of his Senedd group to remove him from his leadership position since as early as April. This statement was made during an interview with BBC Wales, shortly after Davies announced his resignation following a tense confidence vote. The pressure over the party’s strategic direction in Wales has been mounting for several months, leading to the current state of upheaval within the party.
Davies’ announcement on Tuesday marked a pivotal moment, as he narrowly managed to survive the confidence vote against considerable pressure. Following this tumultuous period, he expressed his view that while challenges to his leadership were legitimate within a democratic framework, such scheming and plotting were detrimental to the Conservative cause. He indicated that the infighting was counterproductive and emphasized the need for unity within the party to effectively challenge the ruling Welsh Labour government in the forthcoming 2026 Senedd elections.
So far, the only candidate who has stepped forward to contend for the leadership role is Conservative Chief Whip Darren Millar. Millar’s candidacy comes amidst attempts to consolidate support and regain focus within the party. In his discussions with media outlets, especially on Radio Wales Breakfast, Davies elaborated that plans to question his leadership had been in the works for several months, reinforcing the notion that internal dissent was brewing among the members.
At a critical meeting held last week, various Members of the Senedd (MSs) reportedly raised their concerns regarding Davies’ leadership. Those concerns culminated in a request for him to resign, which ultimately led to the vote of confidence. Davies acknowledged that he faced three main criticisms regarding his performance, including assertions that he was indifferent to the pressing demands of his role and concerns about his senior advisor’s ambitions to become the Welsh Conservative chairman.
In the confidence vote, the tally reflected a divided group, with Davies receiving backing from nine Tory Senedd members, while seven voted against him. This division within the ranks has raised concerns about the stability and unity of the party, making Davies’ decision to resign appear as a strategic choice to allow the Conservatives to regroup and reposition themselves ahead of future electoral challenges.
Davies insisted on the importance of establishing a strong platform for the Welsh Conservatives. He believed that a united front was essential for successfully opposing the Labour government’s policies and addressing the pressing needs of the Welsh populace. He inferred that while winning the confidence vote was a personal victory, the broader goal of leading an effective opposition was better served by allowing a new leader to take the reins and unify the party.
Darren Millar, who is aiming to succeed Davies, has received endorsements from several influential Conservative figures, including former leader Paul Davies, Russell George, and Tom Giffard. Early support indicates a strategic placement of Millar within the party and reflects the desire for stable leadership as the Conservatives prepare to confront not just Labour, but other local political entities including Plaid Cymru, Reform Wales, and the Liberal Democrats.
As of Wednesday lunchtime, amidst the unfolding situation, five Conservative MSs had publicly pledged support for Millar, thereby meeting the requirement for him to officially run as a candidate. This swift momentum plays a critical role in determining leadership dynamics within the party. Giffard, one of Millar’s backers, noted that despite previously considering a run for leadership, he opted to support Millar, whom he characterized as a “seasoned campaigner” and a strong communicator.
The urgency of the situation cannot be understated, as nominations for leadership close at 1700 GMT on Thursday, suggesting that the party is on the brink of a significant transition. The coming days will undoubtedly shape the future of the Welsh Conservatives as they navigate this critical moment in their political journey. With heightened internal scrutiny, party unity emerges as a central theme to counteract the challenges posed by their opposition in the Senedd, marking a notable chapter in the ongoing narrative of Welsh politics.
