Paul Davies has beaten Machynlleth's Suzy Davies in the battle to lead the Conservative opposition in the Welsh Assembly.

Suzy Davies, originally from Swansea but who now lives near Machynlleth, had emerged as the main rival to favourite Paul Davies in a head-to-head contest to take over from Andrew RT Davies, who stepped down in June after seven years in charge.

According to the BBC, Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies won with just over two-thirds of the vote - 68.1% to 31.9% - on a turnout of 52%.

Mr Davies said he was "humbled" to have won the role.

"I am humbled to have won the support of so many MPs, AMs, Councillors, activists and grassroots supporters from across Wales.

"This campaign leaves the Welsh Conservative Party in a stronger position having had this period of debate, but most importantly, I am proud that this campaign has been entirely positive and based on the issues that matter."

About his leadership rival, he said: “Suzy Davies fought an optimistic and forward-looking campaign, and I look forward to working closely with her, and the rest of the Welsh Conservative team, over the coming months and years.

"By working together as a united party and offering a coherent vision of what our country can achieve, the Welsh Conservatives are Wales’ best hope of ending a generation of uninterrupted Labour rule in Cardiff Bay.”

Suzy Davies, AM for South Wales West, said she was disappointed by the result, but pledged her support for the new leader.

She said: "The prize here is much bigger than this contest – it is a Wales for the future, not a Wales of the past.  I congratulate Paul and wish him well. He has my personal support in our march forward. 

"I am profoundly grateful to those who voted for me but I know they understand, even in a competition like this, we are all on the same side. "