Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies has today (Wednesday) been appointed Interim Leader of the Welsh Conservative Assembly Group.

The move follows the resignation of Andrew RT Davies and a subsequent meeting of the Welsh Conservative Assembly group this afternoon.

Mr Davies has served as Deputy Leader of the Welsh Conservative Assembly group since 2011 and will assume the interim post with immediate effect.

Mr Davies said: “The Assembly group has today appointed me as Interim Leader of the group, following the resignation of Andrew RT Davies this morning.

"I want to pay tribute to Andrew for his service as Leader of the Welsh Conservative group and Leader of the Opposition since 2011. He’s made a huge contribution to Welsh politics and worked tirelessly to advance the Conservative cause in Wales. I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.

"Nominations for the permanent post of Leader of the Welsh Conservative Assembly group will open in due course.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb, said: “I am delighted that Paul Davies has taken over as interim leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly, and hope he is elected to the position permanently in due course.

“Paul is one of my closest friends in politics, and he will hold Welsh Labour to account in the Senedd, especially over health issues such as Withybush Hospital”.