Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies has expressed determination for change following the party’s 2024 wipeout in the House of Commons. In an interview with the PA news agency, Davies acknowledged the setback of having no MPs but vowed that the Conservatives could make a significant impact in the 2026 Senedd poll in Wales. He positioned the Conservatives as the party of change, contrasting them with Labour, whom he accused of overseeing “managed decline” in Cardiff Bay.
Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, Davies reflected on the election defeat, calling it a “kick in the guts” for the party. He apologised to the centre-right voters who felt unable to support the Conservatives and highlighted specific policies such as the winter fuel allowance, which he claimed would have been protected if Welsh Conservatives were representing Wales in Westminster.
The discussion turned to Labour’s financial decisions, with Davies criticising the slimming down of the universal winter fuel payments scheme, which he argued would negatively impact the Welsh economy. Despite Labour’s claims of assisting pensioners, Davies contended that the Conservatives would have prioritised different policies if in power.
Addressing the Conservative Party’s failure to secure any seats in Wales, Davies acknowledged the need for accountability and expressed regret over unfulfilled promises, such as reducing immigration numbers. He also defended past proposals, including sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, as potential deterrents.
On his leadership position, Davies remained open to challenges, stating that he welcomed opportunities for competition within the party. He emphasised the diversity within the Conservative group in the Senedd and positioned himself as the individual to lead the party to success in 2026. Davies declared, “We’re the party of change, and we’ll make that change happen”, expressing a strong commitment to reshaping Wales’s future trajectory away from what he perceives as managed decline under Labour, Plaid, and the Liberals.
In conclusion, Davies conveyed a sense of determination and optimism for the Conservative Party’s future prospects in Wales, maintaining that they are primed to enact meaningful change in the upcoming Senedd elections.