Tory leader to ‘take a break’

WELSH Conservative group leader Andrew RT Davies, pictured, has Covid and says the impact on his mental health means he will be off work for the foreseeable future.

Mr Davies, who represents South Wales Central and is in charge of the Senedd group, has been ill for a number of weeks and said the virus had “knocked him for six”.

He said that suffering with the virus had had an impact on his mental well-being.

His statement, released yesterday, reads: “As some of you are aware, over the past fortnight I’ve been fighting a dose of the flu and subsequently coronavirus. I’m starting to recover but I will admit it’s knocked me for six and has had an impact on my mental well-being.

“Like many men, I’ve always believed I had a shield of invincibility, and like many who have struggled, I’ve contemplated whether I should make this public. However, as a leader, I believe you should set an example and I want to be open and honest – in the good times and the bad – as I know many people have struggled and will do with their mental health.

“As such, and on doctor’s orders, I will be taking a complete break from work to ensure I can fully recover and bounce back from the difficulties I’ve experienced over the past fortnight.

“In the meantime, I would like to thank Paul Davies for continuing with my duties during my absence and I ask that my privacy and that of my family is respected.”

He did not attend the party’s conference due to ill health and the party’s former leader, Paul Davies, has been stepping in for him at First Minister’s Questions in plenary sessions at the Senedd.

Mr Davies, a Vale of Glamorgan farmer, wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday: “Very disappointed that I’m unable to join friends and colleagues at #CPC21 this weekend. Unfortunately the dreaded man-flu has knocked me for six these past few days – I’ve never been as ill!”

The group does not have a formal deputy but Paul Davies, who represents Preseli Pembrokeshire, will continue to stand in for him.