Andrew RT Davies, the Conservative member for the new Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg constituency, secured his seat with 12,464 votes for the Conservatives as a whole.
He has represented the region in the Welsh Parliament since 2007 and said two of his core pledges helped win support this time: scrapping the Senedd’s 36 new members and working across party lines to oppose Welsh independence.
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.
“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.”
Under recent reforms, the Senedd expanded from 60 to 96 members and introduced a new proportional voting system.
Wales is now divided into 16 larger constituencies, each represented by six members.
This means Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend now share the same representation in the Welsh Parliament.
Mr Davies has strongly criticised the changes.
He said: “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.”
His second pledge focuses on preventing Welsh independence.
The party emerged as the largest in Wales following last Thursday’s vote, winning 43 seats.
Mr Davies said: “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.”
Born in Cowbridge, Mr Davies is a farmer and was awarded a CBE in 2020 for political and public service.
He has led the Welsh Conservatives twice, most recently standing down as leader in December 2024.
Mr Davies said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who placed their trust in me.
“Repaying that trust begins at once.”
