Gareth Lewis: Welsh Conservatives unite behind new leader

A unity candidate is crowned without a contest after the former leader was forced out.

It's familiar territory for Welsh politics in 2024.

For Darren Millar as Senedd Tory leader, just look back at the circumstances in which Eluned Morgan became Welsh Labour leader in the summer.

For both leaders the bar is a relatively low, simple but important one: unity.

Both start with the overwhelming backing of their Senedd colleagues, albeit in fractious circumstances.

Welsh Conservative MSs insist that they can unite behind Millar, but what's the plan beyond that?

He will need to stabilise the Conservative vote, ideally improve it, and offer a compelling and clearly-articulated vision to voters, who the party is desperate to get on board.

There have been a lot of breakfast metaphors this week.

Andrew RT Davies contrasted his full fry-up approach with the lighter muesli option favoured by his critics.

The metaphors revolve around how hard you combat threats like Reform UK and what he saw as ideological Labour policies.

Darren Millar has perhaps positioned himself somewhere in between, revealing that his breakfast of choice is a bacon butty.

His supporters say he has broad appeal to fight from the middle, having taken on all political sides in his Clwyd West constituency.

He will also be aware that a united party - important though it is - does not guarantee success.

Labour MSs chose their own unity candidate and they have gone down in the polls.

And what about after 2026?

None of the new generation stood this time, despite a number of them having voted to remove Andrew RT Davies.

After 2026, they will have 18 months more experience and a clearer idea of what Welsh voters think of them.

The future direction of the Welsh Conservative party looks to have been settled in the short term.

It does not necessarily mean the journey is anywhere near over.