ONE of the candidates in the contest to become the new leader of the Welsh Conservatives has launched his leadership bid in Usk.

Mr Davies, whose leadership bid has been backed by both Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay and Monmouth MP David Davies, is standing for the post which was vacated after the resignation of Andrew RT Davies, who quit in late June.

Speaking at his campaign launch at the Mad Platter in Usk yesterday (2nd August), Mr Davies pledged to secure a “new government that will represent the whole of Wales”.

The AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire spoke of the need to transform the party, promising a “greater say” for grassroots members and, in the event of a proposed coalition with another political party, a special post-election conference for members.

“We must once again empower our members – give them a voice – give them a purpose and by giving them that purpose I believe we can attract more people to join our party,” he said.

He also spoke of cutting taxes, and promised “real devolution”.

“The vibrancy of our economy is based on the health of our small businesses,” Mr Davies said. “Many are struggling under an oppressive business rates regime, which is forcing many of our independent-run high street shops to close.

“The Welsh Conservative Group I lead would be unashamedly pro-business.

“We need to do more to encourage entrepreneurship and business start-ups because this is how we create more jobs.

“A stronger economy will enable us to invest in and transform all our public services, but especially the NHS and schools.

“The Welsh Conservative Group I lead would explore how we can make public services more accountable to the people of Wales, including with direct elections to health boards.

“Currently too many decisions are being taken by unelected officials in health boards who are not accountable to the public.”

Mr Davies also spoke of the need to invest in opportunities for younger people, driving up standards in education and tackling the shortages in housing supply.

He also said he would not support another referendum on whether Britain should leave the European Union, saying his party would “firmly oppose any efforts from Labour, Plaid Cymru or others to frustrate or block the will of the people”

“As First Minister, I would want to see a Wales where no one is left behind,” he said. “This means an enterprising economy to help tackle the scourge of poverty and an all-Wales government which recognises there is a Wales north and west of the M4 corridor.

That is my vision of a vibrant economy, with well-funded public services, where no one, no matter where they live, is left behind.

“Winning constituency seats is a particular challenge and one that we didn’t properly recognise in the early years of devolution.

“I believe I have the skills and the experience to lead our Party into battle in constituencies like Cardiff North, Gower and Wrexham with a slate of genuinely diverse candidates from across Wales.

“It’s in these Labour/Conservative marginal constituencies that the next election will be decided.

Mr Davies’s leadership rival, AM for South Wales West Suzy Davies, is due to begin her campaign next week.

Postal ballots for the contest will be sent out on 15th August with the winner to be declared on 6th September.

“Our country cannot afford another five years of Labour,” Mr Davies added.

“Our party has been in opposition in the Assembly for a generation.

“I believe we, as Conservatives, have many of the answers to the problems Wales faces.”