Welsh Tories plotted against Andrew RT Davies for months

In December 2024, Andrew RT Davies, the outgoing leader of the Welsh Conservative party, revealed that there had been ongoing efforts to challenge his leadership since April of the same year. After narrowly surviving a confidence vote, he decided to resign due to mounting pressure regarding the party's direction in Wales. Davies disclosed that fellow members had raised serious concerns about his performance, suggesting he was indifferent to his role and criticizing a recent attempt by his senior advisor to take on the position of Welsh Conservative chairman. The confidence vote saw a division within the party, with only nine members supporting Davies compared to the seven who opposed him. In the aftermath of his resignation, Conservative chief whip Darren Millar emerged as a potential replacement, garnering support from several influential figures within the party. These members emphasized the need for a united front moving forward, stating that personal relationships remained unchanged despite the political strife. Davies emphasized the importance of consolidating efforts within the party to effectively challenge the Welsh Labour government in the upcoming 2026 Senedd election. He expressed his disappointment at the disunity that had surfaced, reflecting on the necessity of presenting a cohesive strategy to address the pressing issues facing Wales. The recent confidence vote and the subsequent resignation have brought to light not only the internal friction within the Welsh Conservatives but also the broader implications for the party’s prospects heading into future elections. With discussions surrounding leadership underway, there is a clear acknowledgment among party members of the urgency in refocusing their efforts and improving public perception as they approach the next electoral cycle.