ANDREW RT DAVIES has retained his seat as a regional assembly member for South Wales Central.

Despite earlier speculation that his seat may be at risk, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives will be returning to his seat in the Senedd.

The final results came in at 11.30am this morning with Andrew RT Davies (Conservatives), Gareth Bennett (UKIP), Neil McEvoy (Plaid Cymru) and David Melding (Conservatives) being elected in the region.

Speaking following the results Mr Davies said: “I am proud that we have fought a positive and engaging campaign, with excellent candidates across the country. "Furthermore, along with my colleague and friend David Melding, it is a huge privilege to be elected to serve the people of South Wales Central once again.

“In this new era of five-party politics, we have strengthened winning positions in many held seats.

“Obviously, we are disappointed to lose some regional list seats in this election, and I pay tribute to those outgoing Members who have represented their areas with distinction and pride.

“We have enjoyed some strong results across the country, showing clear momentum in seats we have never won at an Assembly level. In Wrexham, Vale of Glamorgan, Gower and Vale of Clwyd, we have cut Labour majorities significantly with noteworthy swings towards the Welsh Conservatives.

“As we analyse the impact of the results on Wales, Welsh Conservatives remain steadfastly committed to delivering for communities across the country.”