Davies to launch her leadership bid
WELSH Conservative leadership candidate Suzy Davies will today launch her campaign saying the party needs a “clear, distinct Welsh identity which speaks directly to the needs of Wales”.
Mrs Davies, a regional AM for South Wales West, will argue that the constitution of the Conservative Party needs to catch up with the reality of devolution.
At present, unlike the Scottish Conservatives, the party leader in Wales is technically just the leader of the Tory group at the National Assembly.
She will say: “We don’t live in the 1970s and 1980s. It is time for people to vote for the future that they want instead of looking to the past.
“We saw this desire in the Brexit vote and I have every intention of making sure that we get a Brexit that works for Welsh business and our NHS.
“Now we have to take that further and refresh the direction of the Welsh Conservatives so that we can free Wales from the Labour control that it has experienced for almost 20 years.”
Speaking at Bridgend’s Cae Court Hotel at the heart of current First Minister Carwyn Jones’ constituency, Mrs Davies will make it clear that a Welsh Conservative Party under her leadership would put members at its heart while standing up for Welsh taxpayers.
She will say that Wales has lost out through the increasing disengagement of its citizens and businesses with public life: “While weigheddown Welsh councils struggle with their unfair funding formula, we can see, even here in the First Minister’s own constituency, it is the private sector that is taking the initiative and driving the real regeneration that our towns across Wales need.
“I promote ideas which embody the principles of freedom, personal responsibility, a better balance between the state and society. That’s what underpins the current Welsh Conservative manifesto which I authored.
“It’s why I included, in that manifesto, for example, extending Help to Buy to first time buyers who wish to renovate existing properties, keeping older housing stock in Wales from falling into disrepair, supporting local builders in Wales, and keeping communities together – alongside new-builds which help build new communities and business growth.
“We can all exercise personal responsibility appropriate to our circumstances. It’s why I say people that take up the valuable time of our ambulance service through their own irresponsible drinking should be charged for that call-out.”
Turning to reform of the Welsh Conservative Party and its willingness to co-operate with other parties, she will say: “Many of our councillors across Wales know that they may need to work with others to improve their communities and, importantly, that collaboration can come in a number of forms.
“Yes, we may have to work with others to show what a non-Labour government can do for Wales. But I firmly believe that with an open, pragmatic and dynamic leader it is the Welsh Conservatives, sharing so many common values with the people of Wales, who can lead this nation to a prosperous economy and citizens who feel they own their own futures.
“Effective leadership requires the ability to listen and understand what people need before then inspiring others to come with us. That is as true of our party as it is of our country. I want to unify and empower our lifelong supporters as well as reach out to new members – I’m known for capturing the attention from people who are not ‘natural’ Conservatives – so that we better reflect the communities we serve and have fresh arguments and drive to win more seats.
“And that means better communication and distribution of power within the party, clarity on the meaning of ‘Welsh leader’ and a clear, distinct Welsh identity which speaks directly to the needs of Wales.”