PRESELI-Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies is the new leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh Assembly.

Mr Davies beat south Wales west regional AM Suzy Davies in a head-to-head leadership contest.

The AM was already acting as interim leader of the Welsh Conservatives following the resignation of Andrew RT Davies in June. He has been a member of the Welsh Assembly since 2007, representing the constituency of Preseli Pembrokeshire.

Mr Davies will now lead the 12-strong group of Tory AMs in the Senedd.

Prime Minister Theresa May, said: “I warmly congratulate Paul Davies on his election as leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh Assembly, and look forward to working with him and the rest of our team as they hold Labour’s failing Welsh Government to account.

“There has never been a more vital time to do this, and I know that Paul will do a fantastic job speaking up for the Welsh people.”

Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to Paul Davies and my commiserations to Suzy Davies. Suzy will continue to play a key part in the Assembly group and the Welsh party.

“I have worked with Paul over many years and I am excited by the enthusiasm, ideas and close collaboration that he will bring to the role. ”

Four of the major political parties in the assembly are undergoing leadership changes this year.

UKIP saw Gareth Bennett take over as leader in August, while Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood currently faces a leadership challenge from Rhun ap Iorwerth and Adam Price.

Carwyn Jones, the First Minister, is due to stand down in October, with a Welsh Labour leadership contest currently underway.