THE leader of the Welsh Conservatives has resigned following the disclosure he was among a group of politicians who drank alcohol on the Senedd estate days after a pub alcohol ban came into force.

Paul Davies said the controversy over the events of last month had become a "distraction" and that he is standing down with "immediate effect" despite appeals from colleagues to continue.

He said in a statement: "Yesterday I indicated to the Conservative group in the Welsh Parliament that I wished to resign, but they urged me to reflect further, and we agreed to meet again on Monday.

"However, for the sake of my party, my health and my own conscience, I simply cannot continue in post.

"Therefore, I am stepping down as leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Welsh Parliament with immediate effect."

Tory chief whip Darren Millar said he is also stepping down from his frontbench role in the Senedd.

In his statement, Mr Davies said he is "truly sorry" for his actions on December 8 and the following day when further drinking reportedly occurred.

"They have damaged the trust and respect that I have built up over 14 years in the Welsh Parliament with my colleagues and the wider Conservative Party but, more importantly, with the people of Wales," he said.

Mr Millar said he wanted to apologise to his family, colleagues and constituents for any "embarrassment" that media reports of what happened may have caused.

"While I am advised that I did not breach coronavirus regulations, I am very sorry for my actions, especially given the impact of the tough restrictions that people and businesses are enduring," he said.

"I am co-operating fully with ongoing investigations and will continue to do so."