Andrew RT Davies has thanked those in the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend for placing their trust in him as he returns to the Senedd as a Conservative MS.
12,464 people lent their votes to the Conservatives in the constituency, seeing him secure the fourth of six available seats for the constituency.
Plaid Cymru’s Mark Hooper was the first-placed candidate, Reform UK’s Sara Cooper-Lesad came second, and Plaid Cymru’s Sarah Rees in third, all came ahead of RT Davies in the results.
The fifth seat went to Reform’s Dr Gareth Thomas, whilst Labour’s Sarah Murphy secured the sixth seat.
Mr Davies said the public understood no party could win a majority, and a substantial number lent their votes to him on the basis he would work collaboratively with like-minded colleagues.
Following his re-election MR Davies said “I’m proud to be elected to serve the people of the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, the place that’s always been my home.
“But I know I’m only here after so many people placed their trust in the Conservatives, on the basis of the pledges we made.
“Two pledges resonated particularly – to scrap the Senedd’s 36 new members and work cross-party to stop the separatists breaking up Britain.
“That work starts now. We do not want or need more politicians – we need more doctors and nurses.
“The 36 new members must be scrapped. I will pursue this cause with determination and rigour.
“I also promised to be collaborative, and work cross-party to stop Plaid Cymru separatists breaking up Britain. With the separatists well short of a majority, those of us who believe in keeping our nation together must do just that.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who placed their trust in me. Repaying that trust begins at once.”
Tuesday will see the first meeting of the Senedd take place, since Plaid Cymru’s historic victory last week.

Vueling withdraws winter flights to Aicante this winter
Playground in Barry forced to close after fire damages equipment
Campaigners Take Fight for Fairer Pathways in Welsh Women’s Football to Parliament
Vale Councillor Gwyn John Launches His First Novel at Llantwit Major Book Signing
Pink poppy display commences with celebration of life
Former Barry office block converted into new homes for people at risk of homelessness
Welsh Government publishes independent report on Level 4 intervention at Cardiff and Vale UHB
Three CoastSnap stations set to be installed along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Daffodil Runner statue installed at Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth
Woman Dies After Incident in Leckwith as Police Investigation Continues
Vale entrepreneur wins national Innovate UK award for sustainable construction technology
Cardiff Airport retains top accessibility rating as regulator reports record demand for assistance
Open Doors event to showcase hidden world of Glamorgan Archives
New details have emerged of a new tree-lined public square that will replace a traffic dominated junction
Dyffryn Gardens’ Edwardian rose garden blooms again after decade-long restoration
Barry’s Own Daniel White to Walk 190 Miles Back to Where His Round Table Story Began
1,300 people attend Flying Start Family Fun Day
Dispersal order put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour
Interim Chief Executive Appointed at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff Theatre Marks 50 Years of Service for Long‑Standing Staff Member