Clwyd West MS Darren Millar named new Welsh Conservative Leader in Senedd

Darren Millar MS has been elected unopposed as the new leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd, following the resignation of Andrew RT Davies.

Mr Millar, the Member of the Senedd for Clwyd West, secured the unanimous public endorsement of all 15 members of the Conservative group in the Welsh Parliament.

The nomination period for the position closed at 5.00 pm today, with no other candidates coming forward.

Commenting on the appointment, Welsh Conservative Party Chairman Bernard Gentry said:

“I am pleased to announce that Darren Millar MS has been elected unopposed as the new Leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Welsh Parliament. In recent months we’ve been winning numerous local government by-elections across Wales and our action days have recruited hundreds of new volunteers and activists.

“Working together as one united party under Darren, Mims and myself, I am confident that we can achieve further success at the Senedd elections in 2026 and bring to an end the quarter of a century of Labour rule. I wish Darren every success as he takes the helm.”

In his first statement as leader, Mr Millar thanked his colleagues and supporters for their backing:

“I am humbled by the incredible support of my colleagues in the Senedd and the kind messages I have received from Conservative Party members and members of the public across the country.

“Andrew RT Davies will be a difficult act to follow, but I am determined to build on his legacy as we take the fight to our political opponents in the run-up to the Senedd elections in 2026.

“After 25 years of Labour failure, Wales is crying out for hope and change; I look forward to setting out our plans to deliver just that in the weeks and months to come.”

A Leadership Transition

The change in leadership comes after Andrew RT Davies narrowly survived a vote of no confidence earlier this week, winning 9-7 within the Conservative group.

However, Mr Davies chose to step down, citing divisions within his party as a key reason for his decision.

In his resignation letter, Mr Davies wrote:

“Last week, a group of Senedd members approached me, threatening to resign their positions in the shadow cabinet if I did not agree to step down as leader.

“It was clear from the result [of the vote] 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.”

Mr Davies also criticised members of his own party for undermining the group’s positions publicly, contrasting their actions with the dedication of grassroots Conservative supporters:

“This stands in direct contrast to some Conservative Senedd members,” he said.

Mr Millar will lead the party with less than 18 months before the next Senedd election, scheduled for May 2026.

The upcoming election will see the Welsh Parliament expand from 60 to 96 members, adding a significant new dynamic to the contest.