Andrew RT Davies, a prominent figure in Welsh politics, has been a familiar face in the Welsh Conservative Party for over a decade. As the leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, Davies has led with a blend of bold stances and controversial remarks. His resignation in 2024 marked the second time in his career that he stepped down from the position. But what has driven his political journey, and how has he become one of the most polarising figures in Welsh politics?
In this post, I’ll break down Andrew RT Davies’ career, his major political achievements and controversies, and what his departure from leadership means for the Welsh Conservatives.
Who is Andrew RT Davies?
Born in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, in 1968, Andrew RT Davies’s journey into politics started in the agricultural sector. Raised on a family farm, Davies quickly became involved in Welsh farming organisations, eventually holding positions like President of the Llantrisant Young Farmers Club. His early life on the farm and his political ethos have been intertwined, giving him a unique perspective on Welsh issues.
Andrew RT Davies joined the Conservative Party in 1997, starting his political career with a couple of attempts to secure a seat in Westminster. However, his breakthrough came in 2007 when he was elected to the Senedd as a member of the National Assembly for Wales.
Climbing to Leadership: Andrew RT Davies and the Welsh Conservatives
In 2011, following the loss of his predecessor Nick Bourne’s seat, Andrew RT Davies became the leader of the Welsh Conservatives. It was a significant moment in Welsh political history, as Davies was tasked with taking the Conservative Party in Wales into a new era. His leadership would see several highs and lows, including successful campaigns and painful defeats.
However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Andrew RT Davies. Early on in his leadership, he clashed with UK Conservative leaders on issues such as taxation and Brexit. One of the most significant controversies during his tenure came in 2014, when Davies opposed the UK government’s stance on new income tax powers for Wales. His call for fewer restrictions on Wales’ ability to vary tax bands created a rift within the party, leading to a dramatic reshuffling of the Conservative frontbench.
Leadership Under Fire: The Brexit Campaign and Its Aftermath
As a prominent Brexit campaigner, Andrew RT Davies found himself at odds with the majority of his party colleagues, including the then-Prime Minister David Cameron, who advocated for remaining in the European Union. Despite the official party stance, Davies backed Leave, arguing that Wales would benefit from exiting the EU.
Davies became a loud voice in the Welsh Brexit campaign, and his stance resonated with many Welsh voters. When Wales, like the rest of the UK, voted to leave the EU, Davies took pride in the result but also faced significant backlash. Personal attacks were made on his family, and tensions between him and his colleagues were palpable. Nevertheless, Andrew RT Davies continued to advocate for the Welsh government’s powers, alongside a host of controversial social media posts.
Controversies and Struggles: Resigning for the Second Time
In 2018, after facing internal party pressure and a challenge from Alun Cairns, the then Welsh Secretary, Davies resigned as leader of the Welsh Conservatives. At that time, he stepped away to allow a fresh face to take the party forward. However, after three years out of the political spotlight, Andrew RT Davies returned as leader in 2021.
His return came amid a period of crisis for the Welsh Conservatives. With Brexit having dominated much of the political conversation, Davies faced the challenge of maintaining party unity, while also navigating new issues such as Covid restrictions, and local governance.
His leadership faced challenges from within his own party, and after a turbulent period in 2024, Andrew RT Davies announced his resignation following a narrow vote of confidence. In his resignation letter, Davies accused his own party members of undermining his leadership and causing an atmosphere of unrest within the Welsh Conservative group.
Andrew RT Davies‘s Political Legacy
Throughout his career, Andrew RT Davies has been known for his passionate, sometimes divisive rhetoric. Whether discussing the future of Welsh governance or issues like taxation or Brexit, Davies never shied away from controversy.
His legacy will likely be mixed. On one hand, he presided over the best Welsh Conservative performance in decades during the 2015 general elections. Yet, on the other hand, his party struggled in the Senedd elections in 2016, and in 2021, they failed to unseat Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour.
Despite these struggles, Davies played a key role in Welsh Conservative positioning in Brexit debates and pushed for reforms in areas like local tax policy. But his leadership will also be remembered for frequent clashes within his party and a series of public missteps, including an incident in 2016 when he mistakenly referred to “breakfast” instead of Brexit, leading to viral social media moments.
The Future of the Welsh Conservatives
With Andrew RT Davies stepping down, questions about the future of the Welsh Conservatives loom large. The party is still the main opposition to Welsh Labour, but without a strong leader like Davies, it remains to be seen who will step up to guide the party through these turbulent times.
Will the Welsh Conservatives pivot on issues like Brexit, local governance, and speed limits, or will they focus more on regional issues like agriculture and social welfare? These questions will shape the party’s future as it attempts to regain its footing.
Conclusion
Andrew RT Davies will leave behind a complicated political legacy. From his early clashes with party colleagues to his later struggles with internal party pressure, his time as leader of the Welsh Conservatives was marked by numerous challenges.
However, Davies’ influence on Welsh politics remains undeniable. Whether it was his vocal support for Brexit, or his leadership during a time of political turbulence, Andrew RT Davies always maintained a prominent position in Welsh politics. As the Welsh Conservatives look ahead to the future, Davies’ resignation opens the door to new leadership — but it will be a tough act to follow.
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