'I can be first Conservative First Minister,' pledges leadership candidate Paul Davies

One of the contenders in the contest to become the next Welsh Conservative leader in the Assembly will launch his leadership campaign today.

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies has been the group's deputy leader since 2011. He's been acting leader since Andrew RT Davies resigned from his post in June.

He faces competition for the job from the AM for South Wales West, Suzy Davies.

Mr Davies is expected to play up his experience in senior rôles within the party and in winning elections when he launches his manifesto in Usk later.

He'll also promise change saying that 'before we can transform our country, we must first transform our Party.'

He's expected to spell out that that means putting more effort into trying to win Assembly constituencies than in previous years.

And he's expected to say that he believes he'd be able to unite the different groups within the Assembly party as well as bringing together AMs and MPs in order to focus efforts to overthrow Labour.

Paul Davies launches his campaign in Usk later Thursday.

His opponent, Suzy Davies, is expected to launch her campaign on Friday.

You can see a special Sharp End in which both candidates debate head-to-head for the first time here.

The winner of the election will be announced on September 6th.