Statement from the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives

Andrew RT Davies AM

I am very much looking forward to working closely with Theresa May, both as the new Prime Minister and as Leader of the Conservative Party. Not only does she have a wealth of experience at the highest level of government, I believe that Theresa is best placed to unify the party and to continue delivering the commitments contained in our 2015 manifesto for government.

As a fellow one nation Conservative I very much share Theresa’s passion for social justice and determination to build a country that serves the many, not just the privileged few. I wish her the greatest possible success in achieving that.

Today’s announcement presents the new Prime Minister with an immediate opportunity to bring the country together, and to navigate Britain’s successful exit from the European Union.

As a result of the referendum last month the United Kingdom faces huge opportunities in the months ahead, and we must respect and applaud Andrea Leadsom’s decision to put her country before personal ambition.

At this time, the country needs strong leadership and a clear sense of direction to reinforce confidence in the markets, and to ensure that the Government is best placed to steer the UK towards the bright future which awaits us. My group in the Assembly will work shoulder to shoulder with Theresa May and other government colleagues to ensure that Wales shares in that bright future, and to provide a strong voice for Welsh communities at the heart of the government.

Finally, we must pay tribute to David Cameron who has served his country with such integrity, and who has transformed the life chances of so many people.

The whole Conservative Party, and indeed the country, owes Mr Cameron a great debt of gratitude for his leadership in opposition and as Prime Minister for the last six years.

At the Government’s helm, he has succeeded in transforming the nation’s economic wellbeing and in strengthening national security – both of which have helped empower tens of millions of people to succeed in life.