THE MS for Clwyd West, Darren Millar, is to stand as leader of the Welsh Conservatives.

Mr Millar, who is the Welsh Conservatives’ chief whip, shared his intention to run for leader following Andrew RT Davies’ resignation yesterday (December 3).

He came second in the vote for the MP of Clwyd North in July’s UK general election, losing out to Labour candidate Gill German by 1,196 votes.

Yesterday, Mr Millar said: “In light of this morning’s events, and having discussed matters with Andrew RT Davies and other colleagues, I have decided to allow my name to go forward for nomination as leader of the Welsh Government group in the Senedd.

“Andrew has been a formidable leader, helping our party to achieve record Senedd election results in 2021. He leaves some very big shoes to fill.

“It is now time for our party to unite, build on Andrew’s legacy, and take the fight to our political opponents as we prepare for the Welsh Parliament elections in 2026.”

Mr Millar was first elected as a member of the Senedd in 2007, but has never previously run for leader of the Welsh Conservatives.

He supported Mr RT Davies in a vote of confidence on Tuesday, which he narrowly survived before resigning, saying his position had become “untenable”.

Gareth Davies, Mr Millar’s fellow North Wales-based Conservative MS (Vale of Clwyd), shared his support for his campaign.

Mr Davies said: “I’m backing my constituency neighbour, Darren Millar MS, to become the next leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd.

“The party needs to unite to see off a quarter of a century of Labour and Plaid running Wales into the ground.

“Wales needs change, and it’s only the Welsh Conservatives who can offer a credible alternative to the status quo in 2026.”

Welsh Conservative leadership hopefuls will need to be nominated by three other Tories for the position by 5pm tomorrow (December 5).