Paul Davies, Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, has been appointed the interim Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly.
Mr Davies has been chosen following a unanimous decision at a joint meeting of the Welsh Conservative Assembly Group and Management Board in mid Wales.
The process to appoint a permanent Leader will begin on May 11th.
Mr Davies said: “I am delighted to be appointed interim Leader for the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for our group. We are now the second biggest party in the National Assembly following a hugely successful election, and my job will focus on driving us forward during the start of this term.
“Not only did we gain seats this week, we are also now more representative, with four women AMs.
“While this remains a watershed time for the Welsh Conservatives, I also pay tribute to the man who got us to where we are today.
“In becoming unable to regain his regional seat, Nick Bourne has become a victim of his own great success. Twelve years of his clear vision and leadership have powered the Welsh Conservatives forward. That is set in stone, and will always remain an integral part of our history.
“I look forward to assisting the Party through this positive period.”