Welsh Tory leader’s decision to welcome Reckless ‘not bright’

WELSH Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies has faced fierce criticism afer his decision to welcome Mark Reckless into the party’s Assembly group.

Gower MP and ex-AM Byron Davies said the move “wasn’t a bright idea” and even suggested that it could cost Andrew RT Davies his job.

“Mark Reckless is not a member of the Conservative Party,” Mr Davies told the BBC in an interview.

He said that Mr Reckless had made “a major display of leaving the Conservative Party for maximum effect” when he left in 2014.

“Frankly he stood against colleagues of mine – and I don’t want him.”

When asked if he supported Andrew RT Davies’ decision the former AM didn’t spare his old boss’ feelings.

“I don’t think it is a bright idea and I don’t think our party members will think it is a bright idea,” he said.

“Mark Reckless left with venom on his tongue

“Here we are, two years since his defection, he has had a major change of heart.

“That doesn’t make him a good character to have back involved with the party.”

Asked if he was confident in Andrew RT Davies’ ability to lead the Welsh Conservatives, Mr Davies refused to give his full support, saying: “That is a matter for the group in the Assembly... and we have to live with that.”

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said: “Mark Reckless is not a member of the Conservative Party. There are absolutely no plans for him to become a member of the Conservative Party.”

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “Decisions about who sits with the Conservative group in the Welsh Assembly are a matter for the group in the Welsh Assembly.”