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After much anticipation, Darren Millar has been announced as the next leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd. He will be taking over from Andrew RT Davies, and was elected unopposed. Despite being Chief Whip and responsible for party discipline, Millar has long been an influential figure in Welsh politics. He is considered the senior most Welsh Conservative office holder after the outgoing Leader.
However, Millar is best known for his broadcast and media performances. He has long been considered as a possible leader by political observers because of his public profile and his impactful contributions in the Senedd chamber. He has served as the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Clwyd West for four consecutive terms since 2007.
On his website, Millar lists a varied background, including working as an accountant in industries such as construction, care homes, and telecommunications, and serving as a manager for an international charity that supported persecuted Christians. Despite his professional variety, Millar is known for his robust positions in Welsh politics, particularly in his opposition to a Labour policy that made NHS prescriptions free for everyone. While he was the party’s Health spokesman, Millar spoke out about the Welsh NHS both in the Senedd chamber and through the media. He was a strong critic of the problems faced by North Wales’ Betsi Cadwaladr health board.
Millar is also known for his presidency and chairmanship of the Evan Roberts Institute, an influential Christian charity. The Institute has been scrutinized for its ties with the church of Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong, who is known for making controversial comments about homosexuality. Millar himself came under fire during the 2021 general election when he stood unsuccessfully for the Clwyd North seat. However, he publicly stated that he did not endorse the pastor’s views and that no one should face discrimination based on their sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Millar’s public profile took a hit in late 2020 when he and three other Senedd members were seen drinking on Welsh Parliament premises during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, Paul Davies, the then Conservative group leader, resigned, marking Andrew RT Davies’ second turn as group leader. A few months later, however, the four politicians were cleared of any wrongdoing. In May 2021, Millar returned as Chief Whip after the Senedd election.
In addition to his political contributions, Millar has also garnered headlines for his world records and environmental advocacy. In 2012, he attempted to pass a law to impose a 5p levy on chewing gum to help with its cleaning costs, but the proposal was defeated. He also holds a world record with his son for discovering the tallest hawksbeard plant in Kinmel Bay, which they initially thought was a dandelion. He has been the Senedd’s “species champion” for the red squirrel since 2016, regularly promoting the need to protect this endangered species.
As the new leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, Millar is expected to face a series of challenges, primarily COVID-19 and its aftermath. However, he has the benefit of experience, influence, and a track record in Welsh politics
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