Ex-Tory Senedd leader Paul Davies wants to become Llywydd

Former leader of the Welsh Conservatives Paul Davies has confirmed he would like to be the new Llywydd, or speaker of the Senedd.

Plaid Cymru's Elin Jones, who has held the role since 2016, had already announced she was standing down after the election which took place last Thursday.

Ceredigion Penfro MS Davies would be the first Conservative to hold the role, but will need backing from the either the larger Plaid Cymru or Reform groups to get the job.

He said he had "the experience to champion the Welsh Parliament".

A vote in the Senedd could come as early as Tuesday.

No other candidates have yet put their names forward.

In a statement Davies said: "There has been much speculation since the election about who will take on the role of the Llywydd in the Senedd.

"I want to make it clear that, after consultation with colleagues and having been urged to do so by others, I will be putting my name forward to be the next presiding officer.

"I have the experience to champion the Welsh Parliament and have a clear understanding of its standing orders [rules] and procedures.

"As the temporary presiding officer in the previous Senedd and as a former committee chair and business manager in the Welsh Parliament, I have the skills to take on this important role."