THE leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies has resigned.

The South Wales Central AM has led the group since 2011, but had recently come under increasing pressure.

A decision to allow Ukip defector Mark Reckless to join the group last year proved unpopular with many who remained unhappy at his decision to defect from the Conservatives to Ukip in 2014 while MP for Rochester and Strood.

And last week Mr Davies, one of the most prominent pro-Brexit campaigners in Wales ahead of the 2016 referendum, came under fire from within his own party after criticising Airbus for warning a no-deal Brexit would put British jobs at risk.

In a statement released this morning he said he had resigned "with deep regret".

“It has been a huge privilege to serve in this position since 2011, after securing the mandate of the party in a ballot of the membership," he said. "It is my firm belief that any leader of the Assembly group should secure the same mandate in a full ballot of the grassroots, and I hope that my successor will emerge in that manner.

“I would like to thank the group for their support throughout my leadership, and in particular to express my gratitude to the many dedicated and professional staff I have had the privilege to work with – and for.

“I look forward to supporting whoever emerges from the contest to replace me, and I will continue to place all of my efforts into advancing the Welsh Conservative cause both here in Wales and Westminster.

“As a party we would achieve nothing without the hard work and dedication of our grassroots and I would like to thank them all for the support they have given me in Wales. Nothing could make me prouder than to have enjoyed their backing throughout this journey.

“I would like to thank the prime minister for her support and I wish her the very best in delivering for the country and the Conservative Party moving forward.

“And finally, thanks to my family, particularly my wife Julia who has supported me each and every step of the way.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies, who was deputy leader of the Assembly group, has been appointed as interim leader, with nominations for the permanent post to open "in due course".

In a statement Paul Davies said: “The Assembly group has today appointed me as interim leader of the group, following the resignation of Andrew RT Davies this morning.

"I want to pay tribute to Andrew for his service as leader of the Welsh Conservative group and leader of the opposition since 2011.

"He’s made a huge contribution to Welsh politics and worked tirelessly to advance the Conservative cause in Wales.

"I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future."

This means three of the four parties in the Assembly are currently facing leadership contests - with Carwyn Jones to step down as Welsh Labour leader and first minister later this year and Ukip Wales members to vote on their leader following a power struggle which saw Neil Hamilton ousted by Caroline Jones last month. Only Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood currently remains unchallenged as leader of her party.

Paying tribute to his political rival, first minister Carwyn Jones said: “Despite our obvious political differences, I always found Andrew to be good company, and he never broke the confidences I shared with him as leader of the opposition.

"That is the sign of a decent and honest politician.

"Andrew has made his mark in Welsh politics, and his jovial and larger than life personality has always been a breath of fresh air during Assembly proceedings.

"I wish him well in the future.”

And Theresa May said: “I would like to send my thanks and best wishes to Andrew as he steps down after seven years as leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh Assembly.

“Under Andrew’s leadership, the Welsh Conservatives have provided a strong opposition to Labour in Cardiff Bay and a strong voice for the people of Wales, both at home and in Westminster.

“It was a pleasure to join Andrew and the rest of the team at the Welsh Conservative conference last month.

"I know he will continue to be a passionate champion for the people of South Wales Central in the Assembly, as he has been for more than a decade – and will continue to speak up for the best interests of Wales as we leave the European Union and forge a new role for the whole United Kingdom on the world stage.”

Writing on Twitter, leader of Newport's Conservative group Cllr Matthew Evans said he was "shocked and indeed saddened" by the news. "I have always found him to be extremely dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic about politics," he said.

Also writing on Twitter, South Wales East AM Mr Reckless said: "Awful that Welsh Conservative leader @AndrewRTDavies has been pushed out by Remainers for backing Brexit. Such a decent man."

Welsh secretary Alun Cairns MP said: “Andrew RT Davies has played a vital role in holding the Welsh Labour Government to account in the Welsh Assembly since 2011.

"As leader in the Assembly he has a robust record of highlighting how a Welsh Conservative Government could deliver a stronger Welsh economy.

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with him on community issues in the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales Central.”

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds also paid tribute to Mr Davies.

"I wish Andrew the best as he returns to the backbenches and hope he enjoys having a little more time to spend with family and friends," she said.

“Whilst we disagree on many issues like Brexit, any leader who puts their time and energy into trying to make Wales a better place deserves respect.

"I’m sure Andrew will now put all that time and energy into representing his constituents.”

Chairman of the Welsh Conservatives Byron Davies also paid tribute to Mr Davies, saying: “It has been my pleasure to work with Andrew over the years and I would like to thank him for all that he has done as leader of the Welsh Conservative group in the assembly.

"Andrew’s tireless efforts to ensure the people of this country are dealt a fair deal deserve credit. Andrew has been effective in taking the fight to Welsh Labour and I am sure his successor will do the same.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish him, and his family, well.”

And Ukip Wales leader Neil Hamilton said: "I am sorry that Andrew RT Davies resigned this morning as leader of the Welsh Conservatives.

"Andrew is a combative Brexiteer in a Tory group which is dominated by Remainers."