A CANDIDATE to succeed Andrew RT Davies as leader of the Welsh Conservatives has said the group needs to "rediscover its mojo".

South Wales West AM Suzy Davies is running for new leader of the Welsh Conservatives following Mr Davies' surprise resignation in June.

And she launched her campaign at the Cae Court Hotel in Bridgend earlier today, where she made a series of pledges, including campaigning for charging for ambulance call-outs related to "irresponsible drinkers", as well as scrapping universal free prescriptions, the proposed smacking ban and plans to give prisoners the vote in Wales.

Calling for "a two way relationship" with members, "built on mutual trust", she said: "To help me deliver these relationships, our Welsh party needs to rediscover its mojo.

"New energy under a new leader who can reach out to new audiences, a modern Welsh party which celebrates and fights for the union of the United Kingdom with every fibre as well as celebrating and sharing our love of Wales and our commitment to free it from Labour control."

Ms Davies also said she believed a review of the party's structure to "catch up with devolution" and "give transparency and more power to members", was also necessary.

"A distinct Welsh look and feel is not turning our back on the positive and productive relationship with the rest of the UK," she said. "It’s about personal freedom, confidence to use all those new powers given to Wales by Conservative secretaries of state."

Unlike Andrew RT Davies, Suzy Davies supported the remain campaign ahead of the 2016 referendum. But she said she was now committed to work towards the best possible outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

She added: "We know there’s more to do to build an ambitious, tolerant, prosperous nation.

"I want Wales to look beyond its borders, not limit its ambitions to them.

"I want Wales to be a land of opportunity, where people don’t have to fight to send their kids to the best school, travel miles to get the best healthcare, or hold down the best job.

"I want Wales to be a land where communities flourish, where people care for each other and where they live, support the needs of families, individuals, and the vulnerable and reaches out to the rest of the world, while being connected to it too.

"I want Wales to be a land of equality, so that everyone has the right to a good life, a safe home, and can fulfil their potential, no matter where they’re from, how they look, what they think, or who they love."

Speaking afterwards, Ms Davies said she was open to a power-sharing agreement with another party in the Welsh Assembly, but that this would have to be agreed with members.

But she recognised both sides would have "red lines" which they would not be prepared to compromise on, and said she would preserve these.

She also said, as leader, she would work to promote diversity within the party in terms of gender, race and other groups.

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies is also running for the post, and launched his campaign last week.

The winner is due to be announced on Thursday, September 6.