Darren Millar

Last updated

Darren Millar
MS
Darren-millar (cropped).jpg
Official portrait, 2021
Leader of the Opposition
Incumbent
Assumed office
5 December 2024

Darren David Millar (born 1976) is a Welsh politician who has served as the leader of the Welsh Conservatives since December 2024, [2] and Member of the Senedd (MS) for Clwyd West since 2007. [3]

Contents

Background

Millar lives in the Kinmel Bay area with his wife and two children. He enjoys reading and history, and is a Christian, [4] [5] [6] attending Festival Church. [7] He has been a citizen of both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland for decades. [8]

Political career

Millar joined Clwyd North Conservative Association at age 15, and shortly after became chairman. [9]

Local government

In 1999, Millar ran for the Towyn ward on Conwy County Borough Council, and for Towyn and Kinmel Bay town council. [10] He was not elected to the county council, [11] but was elected to the town council. [12] From 2000 to 2001, Millar was mayor of the township of Towyn and Kinmel Bay. [13] [14] He was also a member of Conwy County Borough Council from 2004, the North Wales Police Authority and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. [13]

In 2005, he was the sole dissenter to a budget that saw an increase of 5% in the policing budget, and therefore an increase in local council tax. [15]

In 2006, while a member of Conwy Council, Millar was referred to the standards watchdog, after complaints from the Unite, Unison and GMB trade unions about comments he made alleging that staff were abusing or misusing the sick pay system. [16]

Senedd

In the 2003 Senedd election, at age 25, [14] he stood unsuccessfully as the Conservative candidate for the Vale of Clwyd.

Millar was first elected to represent Clwyd West in 2007, and was re-elected in the 2011, 2016 and 2021 elections.

Third Senedd

In 2006, Millar was selected to contest the Clwyd West seat. During a hustings in April of 2007, Millar allegedly described homosexuality as a sin, [4] [5] and stated he believed that creationism should be taught in science lessons. [6] Millar alleged that he had been misrepresented, and stated that he did not believe anyone should be discriminated against on the basis of sexuality, and stated that "school governors, parents and teachers should have flexibility in their curriculum". [6] [17] He was successfully elected to the Clwyd West seat, unseating the incumbent Labour MS, Alun Pugh. [18] Pugh was the only Cabinet Minister to be defeated in the election. [19]

After his election to the Senedd in 2007, Millar was appointed Shadow Minister for Environment and Planning by Nick Bourne. [20] While in this role he campaigned for targets to reduce emissions, [21] supported the banning of single-use plastic bags, [22] and was supportive of investment in biofuels. [23] He also initially said that fear of flooding must not prevent construction on floodplains, but that "you've also got to look at strengthening our flood defences", [24] but later supported a ban on building on floodplains, [25] and a substantial increase in spending on flood defences.

He was critical of the Welsh Government's provision of free prescriptions, saying it would lead to prescription tourism, and that he was aware of caravan owners who registered with GPs in his constituency to avoid paying charges. [26]

He served in this role until February 2009, when he was moved to be Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government. [27] In November 2010, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Economy and Transport. [28] [29]

Fourth and Fifth Senedds

After his re-election in 2011, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Health by interim leader Paul Davies. [30] [31] He retained this role after Andrew RT Davies was elected leader and formalised the interim Shadow Cabinet, and throughout the remainder of the term. [32] After the 2016 Senedd elections, Millar was appointed Welsh Conservative education spokesperson, as Plaid Cymru became the Official Opposition. [33] In April 2017, he became Shadow Minister for Education, as the Welsh Conservatives returned to opposition. [34]

Millar was discussed as a candidate to replace Andrew RT Davies at the 2018 Welsh Conservatives leadership election, but he did not contest the election. [35] After Paul Davies was elected as leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Millar was appointed as Welsh Conservative Chief Whip, Welsh Conservative Policy Director, and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs and International Relations. [36]

COVID-19 regulations investigation

In January 2021 the Senedd Commission investigated Millar for an alleged breach of COVID-19 regulations. [37] He resigned from his frontbench roles on 23 January 2021 after the leader Paul Davies resigned on the same day. [38] Both Millar and Davies were later cleared of any wrongdoing by South Wales Police, Cardiff City Council, the Senedd Commission and the Senedd Standards of Conduct Committee. In April 2022 a report published by the Senedd Standards Committee found that no laws or standards of conduct had been breached. [39]

Sixth Senedd

He returned to the role of Chief Whip in May 2021, after the 2021 Senedd election, alongside a role as Shadow Minister for the Constitution and North Wales. [40]

Millar has been drawn to table a Members' Bill on three occasions.

In November 2023, he was selected as the Conservative Party prospective parliamentary candidate for the new constituency of Clwyd North at the 2024 general election. [41] He came second, losing to the Labour candidate by 1,196 votes. [42]

In 2024, Millar tabled a non-binding motion of no confidence in First Minister Vaughan Gething, over donations made during the 2024 Welsh Labour leadership election and the sacking of former Social Partnership Minister Hannah Blythyn. [43] The motion passed 29-27. Gething described the motion as a 'gimmick' and said he would remain as First Minister. [44]

Leadership of the Welsh Conservatives

After Andrew RT Davies resigned as leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Millar put out a statement saying he would run to lead the party. [45] He quickly obtained the support of six of his colleagues, Paul Davies, Russell George, Tom Giffard, James Evans, Altaf Hussain and Gareth Davies within 24 hours, [46] and the whole group within 48 hours. [2] [47]

Broader career

Millar is the chief executive of a Christian organisation that he works for alongside his job in politics. [48]

Political views

Brexit

He was one of four then-sitting Conservative MSs (along with Andrew RT Davies, Janet Finch-Saunders and Mark Isherwood) to vote for Brexit in the 2016 Brexit referendum. [49] [50] [51]

Prescription charges

Millar has been a "fierce critic" of NHS prescriptions having been made free. [52]

Women's rights

Millar has stated he is pro-life but that he "believes in freedom of choice and personal responsibility" and is "not a person who likes to impose [his] views on other people". [48]

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References

  1. ↑ "Brexit-backing Tory MS reveals he has Irish citizenship". Nation.Cymru. 29 September 2021. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  2. 1 2 Deans, David (5 December 2024). "Darren Millar elected Welsh Tory leader unopposed". BBC News. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  3. ↑ "Darren Millar AM | Working for Clwyd West". www.darrenmillaram.com. Archived from the original on 13 January 2017. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  4. 1 2 Mulholland, Hélène (27 April 2007). "Cameron opens door to race-row shadow minister". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  5. 1 2 Bodden, Tom (28 April 2007). "Did Tory say being gay was sinful?" . North Wales Daily Post . p. 2. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  6. 1 2 3 Davies, Daniel (27 April 2007). "Tories dispute 'gay sin' comments" . Press Association . Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  7. ↑ "About Darren". www.darrenmillar.wales. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  8. ↑ "AM meets Irish Ambassador". Darren Millar MS. Archived from the original on 31 October 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  9. ↑ "The Nation Decides: Assembly Elections 2003" . North Wales Daily Post . 18 April 2003. p. 9. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  10. ↑ "Towyn (1 Seat, 3 Candidates)". Prestatyn Visitor. 22 April 1999. p. 8. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ "Conwy County Borough Council Election Results 1995-2012" (PDF). electionscentre.co.uk. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 May 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  12. ↑ Wade, Sian (22 July 1999). "Cash backing for estate". Prestatyn Visitor. p. 9. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  13. 1 2 "About Darren Millar". Darren Millar. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  14. 1 2 "Tory assembly hopeful just 25" . North Wales Daily Post . 2 March 2002. p. 9. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  15. ↑ Bellis, Derek (19 February 2005). "Bill for policing goes up by 5%" . North Wales Daily Post. p. 11. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  16. ↑ Powell, David (3 April 2006). "Unions call in watchdog over sick days jibe". North Wales Live. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  17. ↑ Lister, Sam (2 May 2007). "MPs call for action on 'gay slur' Tory" . North Wales Daily Post . p. 2. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  18. ↑ "Welsh assembly election - 2007". BBC News . 4 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 August 2007. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  19. ↑ "As Pugh bites the dust, others return to the fray, and reality kicks in for those who think it's all over" . The Western Mail. 5 May 2007. p. 8. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  20. ↑ WalesOnline (4 June 2007). "Bourne names his front benchers". Wales Online. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  21. ↑ Davies, Daniel (20 June 2007). "Tories demand targets to cut greenhouse gases" . Press Association . Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  22. ↑ Williamson, David (20 June 2007). "Wales prepares to ban plastic shopping bags" . Western Mail . p. 1. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  23. ↑ Williamson, David (6 September 2007). "'Cutting biofuel tax will benefit Welsh farmers and consumers'" . Western Mail . p. 12. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  24. ↑ Williamson, David (24 April 2007). "170,000 Welsh homes are on flood plains, says agency" . Western Mail . p. 5. Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  25. ↑ Davies, Daniel (26 September 2007). "Tories call for ban on flood plain building" . Press Association . Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  26. ↑ Davies, Daniel (15 April 2005). "First Minister defends free prescriptions" . Press Association . Retrieved 4 December 2024– via Nexis.
  27. ↑ "Two tories reject Bourne offers". BBC News. 27 February 2009. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  28. ↑ Isaby, Jonathan. "Welsh Assembly Tory leader Nick Bourne announces changes to his Shadow Cabinet". ConservativeHome. Archived from the original on 23 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  29. ↑ Davies, Daniel (26 November 2010). "Tories appoint Morgan to shadow cabinet". Press Association.
  30. ↑ "Conservatives announce shadow Welsh cabinet". WalesOnline. 18 May 2011. Archived from the original on 18 October 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  31. ↑ "Welsh Conservatives name shadow cabinet". South Wales Argus. 17 May 2011. Archived from the original on 21 February 2018. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  32. ↑ WalesOnline (19 July 2011). "Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies unveils shadow cabinet". Wales Online. Archived from the original on 26 June 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  33. ↑ "Davies names Welsh Conservative assembly spokespeople". BBC News. 11 June 2016. Archived from the original on 26 June 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  34. ↑ "UKIP's Mark Reckless to join Conservatives in assembly". BBC News. 6 April 2017. Archived from the original on 6 April 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  35. ↑ Williamson, David; Mosalski, Ruth (27 June 2018). "The contenders to succeed Andrew RT Davies as Welsh Tory leader". Wales Online. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  36. ↑ "New Tory leader reshuffles Senedd team". ITV News. 18 September 2018. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  37. ↑ "COVID-19: Four senior Welsh politicians under investigation over claims they broke lockdown rules". Sky News. 21 January 2021. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  38. ↑ "Tory Senedd leader Paul Davies quits over alcohol row". BBC News. 23 January 2021. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  39. ↑ Owen, Twm (4 April 2022). "Report clears politicians of wrongdoing over Senedd drinking". South Wales Argus.
  40. ↑ Owen, Cathy (27 May 2021). "Tory MSs who drank in Senedd during alcohol ban get top roles". Wales Online. Archived from the original on 26 June 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  41. ↑ Mansfield, Mark (26 November 2023). "Darren Millar selected as Tory general election candidate for Clwyd North". Nation.Cymru. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  42. ↑ "Labour candidate Gill German wins Clwyd North seat by 1,196 votes". Rhyl Journal. 5 July 2024. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  43. ↑ "Motion - NDM8593". Welsh Parliament. Archived from the original on 2 December 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  44. ↑ "Vaughan Gething won't quit after losing vote of no confidence". BBC News. 5 June 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  45. ↑ Deans, David (3 December 2024). "Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies resigns". BBC News. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  46. ↑ Browne, Adrian; Deans, David (4 December 2024). "Tory plots to oust me since April, says Davies". BBC News . Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  47. ↑ "Darren Millar set to become new leader of the Senedd Tories". Nation.Cymru . 5 December 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  48. 1 2 "Welsh Tory leader Darren Millar: "I'm Christian - get over it"". BBC News. 8 December 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  49. ↑ "The EU Referendum: My view". Darren Millar AM. Archived from the original on 21 March 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  50. ↑ Flint, Rachel (24 June 2016). "EU Referendum: What happens to Wales now after we voted for Brexit?". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  51. ↑ "Sharp End March 19th". www.itv.com.
  52. ↑ Browne, Adrian; Deans, David (5 December 2024). "Who is Darren Millar, new Senedd Tory leader?". BBC News. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
Senedd
Preceded by Member of the Senedd for Clwyd West
2007–present		Incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by
Elin Jones
 Shadow Minister for the Environment
June 2007 – Feb 2009		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Nick Ramsay
 Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government
Feb 2007 – Nov 2010		Succeeded by
Preceded by
David Melding
 Shadow Minister for Economy and Transport
Nov 2010– May 2011		Succeeded by
Preceded by
 Shadow Minister for Health
May 2011– July 2011		Succeeded by
Preceded by
 Shadow Minister for Health & Social Services
July 2011–2016		Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Leader of the Welsh Conservatives
2024–present		Incumbent
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