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Andrew RT Davies has announced he has quit as leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly.

Mr Davies, who represents South Wales Central, made the announcement on Wednesday morning.

In a statement, he said: "It is with deep regret that I announce that I have today tendered my resignation as leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly.

"This was done in a letter to our Group Chairman following a meeting this morning of all group members.

"It has been a huge privilege to serve in this position since 2011, after securing the mandate of the party in a ballot of the membership. It is my firm belief that any leader of the assembly group should secure the same mandate in a full ballot of the grassroots, and I hope that my successor will emerge in that manner."

Paul Davies has been appointed interim leader and is widely seen as the favourite to secure the post permanently.

In a statement, the Preseli Pembrokeshire AM has said he will assume the post immediately.

Paul Davies has served as Deputy Leader of the Welsh Conservative Assembly group since 2011.

He said: “The Assembly group has today appointed me as Interim Leader of the group, following the resignation of Andrew RT Davies this morning.

"I want to pay tribute to Andrew for his service as Leader of the Welsh Conservative group and Leader of the Opposition since 2011. He’s made a huge contribution to Welsh politics and worked tirelessly to advance the Conservative cause in Wales. I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.

Nominations for the permanent post of Leader of the Welsh Conservative Assembly group will open in due course.”

Prime Minister Theresa May has sent her "thanks and best wishes" to Mr Davies.

In a statement, she said: "I would like to send my thanks and best wishes to Andrew as he steps down after seven years as Leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh Assembly.

"Under Andrew’s leadership, the Welsh Conservatives have provided a strong opposition to Labour in Cardiff Bay and a strong voice for the people of Wales, both at home and in Westminster.

“It was a pleasure to join Andrew and the rest of the team at the Welsh Conservative conference last month. I know he will continue to be a passionate champion for the people of South Wales Central in the Assembly, as he has been for more than a decade – and will continue to speak up for the best interests of Wales as we leave the European Union and forge a new role for the whole United Kingdom on the world stage."

Andrew RT Davies' resignation statement in full “It is with deep regret that I announce that I have today tendered my resignation as leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly. This was done in a letter to our Group Chairman following a meeting this morning of all group members. “It has been a huge privilege to serve in this position since 2011, after securing the mandate of the party in a ballot of the membership. It is my firm belief that any Leader of the Assembly Group should secure the same mandate in a full ballot of the grassroots, and I hope that my successor will emerge in that manner. “I would like to thank the Group for their support throughout my leadership, and in particular to express my gratitude to the many dedicated and professional staff I have had the privilege to work with – and for. “I look forward to supporting whoever emerges from the contest to replace me, and I will continue to place all of my efforts into advancing the Welsh Conservative cause both here in Wales and Westminster. “As a party we would achieve nothing without the hard work and dedication of our grassroots and I would like to thank them all for the support they have given me in Wales. Nothing could make me prouder than to have enjoyed their backing throughout this journey. “I would like to thank the Prime Minister for her support and I wish her the very best in delivering for the country and the Conservative Party moving forward. “And finally, thanks to my family, particularly my wife Julia who has supported me each and every step of the way.”

It now means there are leadership battles in Labour, Ukip and the Welsh Conservatives.

Plaid Cymru members are also calling for a leadership contest.

He has come in for recent criticism from his Conservative colleagues for comments made about Airbus.

After the company warned there could be significant job losses in the wake of Brexit, Mr Davies accused the company of making threats and "hyperbole".

But UK defence minister Guto Bebb said those comments were "inflammatory".

In the last General Election, the Tories lost three seats, leaving them with eight and there was friction between the central and Welsh elements of the party.

Last year Mr Davies also said that there was a lack of leadership in the Welsh party, saying that while he was the Conservative leader in the Assembly, there was no overall Welsh leader as there is in Scotland.

On Tuesday he told the Assembly he believed that the Tidal Lagoon should have been given the backing of the UK Government.

In a speech during plenary, he said: "I make no bones about it, I believe a positive decision was what was required yesterday, and I lobbied right up until the last minute to try and achieve that positive decision.

"Regrettably, it did not come through, and I commend everyone, from the Welsh Government right the way across the political divide in this Chamber, and those in civic society and in the business world, who championed the cause of the Swansea tidal lagoon.

"I bitterly regret that a more positive decision was not made yesterday, albeit, it is fair to say, that the numbers were always challenging if you looked at it on the economics of just the raw power that was generated."

Carwyn Jones has also thanked Mr Davies for his service.

He said: “Despite our obvious political differences, I always found Andrew to be good company, and he never broke the confidences I shared with him as Leader of the Opposition.

"That is the sign of a decent and honest politician.

"Andrew has made his mark in Welsh politics, and his jovial and larger than life personality has always been a breath of fresh air during Assembly proceedings. I wish him well in the future.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns has said that Mr Davies has played a "vital role in holding the Welsh Labour Government to account in the Welsh Assembly since 2011".

"As leader in the Assembly, he has a robust record of highlighting how a Welsh Conservative Government could deliver a stronger Welsh economy.

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with him on community issues in the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales Central".

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "I’d like to thank Andrew RT Davies for the contribution to Welsh politics he’s made as Leader of the Welsh Conservatives since 2011. I wish Andrew the best as he returns to the backbenches and hope he enjoys having a little more time to spend with family and friends.

“Whilst we disagree on many issues like Brexit, any leader who puts their time and energy into trying to make Wales a better place deserves respect. I’m sure Andrew will now put all that time and energy into representing his constituents.”