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{{short description|Welsh Conservative politician, MS for Clwyd West}}
{{short description|Leader of the Welsh Conservatives}}
{{for|similarly named people|Darren Miller (disambiguation)}}
{{for|similarly named people|Darren Miller (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
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| name = Darren Millar
| name = Darren Millar
| honorific-suffix = [[Member of the Senedd|MS]]
| honorific-suffix = [[Member of the Senedd|MS]]
| image = Darren-millar.jpg
| image = Darren-millar (cropped).jpg
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Millar in 2021
| caption = Official portrait, 2021
| office = Shadow Minister for the Constitution and North Wales
|office = [[Leader of the Opposition (Wales)|Leader of the Opposition]]
| termstart = 27 May 2021
| termstart = 5 December 2024
| leader = [[Andrew RT Davies]]
| monarch = [[Charles III]]
| firstminister = [[Eluned Morgan]]
| predecessor = [[Mark Isherwood (politician)|Mark Isherwood]] {{Small|North Wales}}
| predecessor = [[Andrew RT Davies]]
| office2 = [[Welsh Conservatives|Welsh Conservative]] Chief Whip
| office1 = Leader of the [[Welsh Conservatives|Welsh Conservative Group]] in the [[Senedd]]
| termstart2 = 27 May 2021
| termstart1 = 5 December 2024
| leader2 = [[Andrew RT Davies]]
| leader1 = [[Kemi Badenoch]]
| predecessor2 = [[Mark Isherwood (politician)|Mark Isherwood]]
| predecessor1 = Andrew RT Davies
| termstart3 = 18 September 2018
| termend3 = 23 January 2021
| leader3 = [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]]
| predecessor3 = [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]]
| successor3 = [[Mark Isherwood (politician)|Mark Isherwood]]
{{collapsed infobox section begin
{{collapsed infobox section begin
| Past Shadow Cabinet Roles
| Past Shadow Cabinet Roles
| titlestyle = border:1px dashed lightgrey }}
| titlestyle = border:1px dashed lightgrey }}
| office4 = Shadow Minister for External Affairs and International Relations
| office2 = Shadow Minister for the Constitution and North Wales
| termstart2 = 27 May 2021
| termstart4 = 18 September 2018
| termend4 = 23 January 2021
| termend2 = 5 December 2024
| leader4 = [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]]
| leader2 = [[Andrew RT Davies]]
| predecessor2 = [[Mark Isherwood (politician)|Mark Isherwood]] {{Small|North Wales}}
| office5 = Shadow Minister for Education
| office3 = [[Welsh Conservatives|Welsh Conservative]] Chief Whip
| leader5 = [[Andrew RT Davies]] <br> [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]] {{Small|Interim}}
| termstart3 = 27 May 2021
| termstart5 = 6 April 2017
| termend5 = 18 September 2018
| termend3 = 5 December 2024
| predecessor5 = [[Angela Burns]]
| leader3 = [[Andrew RT Davies]]
| predecessor3 = [[Mark Isherwood (politician)|Mark Isherwood]]
| successor5 = [[Suzy Davies]]
| termstart4 = 18 September 2018
| office6 = Shadow Minister for Health
| termend4 = 23 January 2021
| termstart6 = 18 May 2011
| leader4 = [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]]
| termend6 = 5 May 2016
| leader6 = [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]] {{Small|Interim}} <br> [[Andrew RT Davies]]
| predecessor4 = [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]]
| successor4 = [[Mark Isherwood (politician)|Mark Isherwood]]
| predecessor6 = [[Nick Ramsay]]
| office5 = Shadow Minister for External Affairs and International Relations
| successor6 = [[Rhun ap Iorwerth]]
| termstart5 = 18 September 2018
| office7 = Shadow Minister for Economy and Transport
| termend5 = 23 January 2021
| termstart7 = 26 November 2010
| leader5 = [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]]
| termend7 = 18 May 2011
| office6 = Shadow Minister for Education
| leader7 = [[Nick Bourne]]
| leader6 = [[Andrew RT Davies]] <br> [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]] {{Small|Interim}}
| predecessor7 = [[David Melding]]
| termstart6 = 6 April 2017
| successor7 = [[Nick Ramsay]] {{Small|Economy}} <br> [[Byron Davies, Baron Davies of Gower|Byron Davies]] {{Small|Transport}}
| termend6 = 18 September 2018
| office8 = Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government
| predecessor6 = [[Angela Burns]]
| termstart8 = 27 February 2009
| successor6 = [[Suzy Davies]]
| termend8 = 26 November 2010
| office7 = Shadow Minister for Health
| leader8 = [[Nick Bourne]]
| termstart7 = 18 May 2011
| predecessor8 = [[Nick Ramsay]]
| termend7 = 5 May 2016
| successor8 = [[Jonathan Morgan (politician)|Jonathan Morgan]]
| leader7 = [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]] {{Small|Interim}} <br> [[Andrew RT Davies]]
| office9 = Shadow Minister for the Environment and Planning
| predecessor7 = [[Nick Ramsay]]
| termstart9 = 29 June 2007
| successor7 = [[Rhun ap Iorwerth]]
| termend9 = 27 February 2009
| office8 = Shadow Minister for Economy and Transport
| leader9 = [[Nick Bourne]]
| termstart8 = 26 November 2010
| predecessor9 = [[Glyn Davies (politician)|Glyn Davies]]
| termend8 = 18 May 2011
| successor9 = [[Angela Burns]]
| leader8 = [[Nick Bourne]]
| predecessor8 = [[David Melding]]
| successor8 = [[Nick Ramsay]] {{Small|Economy}} <br> [[Byron Davies, Baron Davies of Gower|Byron Davies]] {{Small|Transport}}
| office9 = Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government
| termstart9 = 27 February 2009
| termend9 = 26 November 2010
| leader9 = [[Nick Bourne]]
| predecessor9 = [[Nick Ramsay]]
| successor9 = [[Jonathan Morgan (politician)|Jonathan Morgan]]
| office10 = Shadow Minister for the Environment and Planning
| termstart10 = 29 June 2007
| termend10 = 27 February 2009
| leader10 = [[Nick Bourne]]
| predecessor10 = [[Glyn Davies (politician)|Glyn Davies]]
| successor10 = [[Angela Burns]]
{{collapsed infobox section end}}
{{collapsed infobox section end}}
| office10 = [[Member of the Senedd]] <br /> for [[Clwyd West (Senedd constituency)|Clwyd West]]
| office11 = [[Member of the Senedd]] <br /> for [[Clwyd West (Senedd constituency)|Clwyd West]]
| majority10 = 3,685 (13.0%)
| majority11 = 3,685 (13.0%)
| term_start10 = 3 May 2007
| term_start11 = 3 May 2007
| term_end10 =
| term_end11 =
| predecessor10 = [[Alun Pugh]]
| predecessor11 = [[Alun Pugh]]
| successor10 =
| successor11 =
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1976}}
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1976}}
| birth_place =
| birth_place =
| birthname =
| birthname =
| nationality = British, Irish<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nation.cymru/news/brexit-backing-tory-ms-reveals-he-has-irish-citizenship/|title=Brexit-backing Tory MS reveals he has Irish citizenship|date=29 September 2021|website=Nation.Cymru}}</ref>
| nationality = British, Irish<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nation.cymru/news/brexit-backing-tory-ms-reveals-he-has-irish-citizenship/|title=Brexit-backing Tory MS reveals he has Irish citizenship|date=29 September 2021|website=Nation.Cymru|access-date=20 October 2021|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020135329/https://nation.cymru/news/brexit-backing-tory-ms-reveals-he-has-irish-citizenship/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| party = [[Welsh Conservatives]]
| party = [[Welsh Conservatives]]
| otherparty =
| otherparty =
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| website = [http://www.darrenmillar.wales www.darrenmillar.wales]
| website = [http://www.darrenmillar.wales www.darrenmillar.wales]
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}'''Darren David Millar''' (born 1976) is a [[Welsh Conservatives|Welsh Conservative]] politician who has served as the [[Member of the Senedd]] (MS) for [[Clwyd West (Senedd constituency)|Clwyd West]] since [[2007 National Assembly for Wales election|2007]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.darrenmillaram.com/|title=Darren Millar AM {{!}} Working for Clwyd West|website=www.darrenmillaram.com|access-date=10 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113002005/https://www.darrenmillaram.com/|archive-date=13 January 2017}}</ref>

'''Darren David Millar''' (born 1976) is a Welsh politician who has served as the leader of the [[Welsh Conservatives]] since December 2024,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-05 |title=Darren Millar elected Welsh Tory leader unopposed |last=Deans |first=David |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czr3mdvzl8ro |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> and [[Member of the Senedd]] (MS) for [[Clwyd West (Senedd constituency)|Clwyd West]] since [[2007 National Assembly for Wales election|2007]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.darrenmillaram.com/|title=Darren Millar AM {{!}} Working for Clwyd West|website=www.darrenmillaram.com|access-date=10 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113002005/https://www.darrenmillaram.com/|archive-date=13 January 2017}}</ref>

==Background==
==Background==
Millar lives in the [[Kinmel Bay]] area with his wife and two children. He enjoys reading and history, and attends Festival Church.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Darren |url=https://www.darrenmillar.wales/about-darren |access-date=2021-10-29 |website=www.darrenmillar.wales}}</ref> He has been a citizen of both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland for decades.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AM meets Irish Ambassador |url=https://www.darrenmillar.wales/news/am-meets-irish-ambassador |website=Darren Millar MS}}</ref>
Millar lives in the [[Kinmel Bay]] area with his wife and two children. He enjoys reading and history, and is a Christian,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Mulholland |first=Hélène |date=2007-04-27 |title=Cameron opens door to race-row shadow minister |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/apr/27/conservatives.race |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Bodden |first=Tom |date=2007-04-28 |title=Did Tory say being gay was sinful? |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/704585f7-f6ea-4319-a28c-6daa49c6a39a/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[North Wales Daily Post]] |pages=2 |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Daniel |date=2007-04-27 |title=Tories dispute 'gay sin' comments |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/88b91201-72a8-4506-8771-df820854e1b5/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[Press Association]] |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref> attending Festival Church.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Darren |url=https://www.darrenmillar.wales/about-darren |access-date=2021-10-29 |website=www.darrenmillar.wales}}</ref> He has been a citizen of both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland for decades.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AM meets Irish Ambassador |url=https://www.darrenmillar.wales/news/am-meets-irish-ambassador |website=Darren Millar MS |access-date=31 October 2021 |archive-date=31 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031210210/https://www.darrenmillar.wales/news/am-meets-irish-ambassador |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Political career==
==Political career==
Millar joined Clwyd North Conservative Association at age 15, and shortly after became chairman.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-04-18 |title=The Nation Decides: Assembly Elections 2003 |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/205ebb26-e9ca-47bf-8afa-35bd2ce5518c/?context=1519360&federationidp=M9JDTX59593 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[North Wales Daily Post]] |pages=9 |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref>
From 2000 to 2001, Millar was mayor of the township of [[Towyn]] and [[Kinmel Bay]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=About Darren Millar |url=https://vote.darrenmillar.wales/about-darren-millar |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Darren Millar |language=en}}</ref> He was also a member of [[Conwy County Borough Council]], the North Wales [[police authority|Police Authority]] and the [[North Wales Fire and Rescue Service]].<ref name=":0" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=David |date=2006-04-03 |title=Unions call in watchdog over sick days jibe |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/unions-call-watchdog-over-sick-2895274 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=North Wales Live |language=en}}</ref>

=== Local government ===
In 1999, Millar ran for the [[Towyn]] ward on [[Conwy County Borough Council]], and for Towyn and Kinmel Bay town council.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1999-04-22 |title=Towyn (1 Seat, 3 Candidates) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/rhyl-prestatyn-visitor-towyn-22041999/160278508/ |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=Prestatyn Visitor |pages=8 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He was not elected to the county council,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Conwy County Borough Council Election Results 1995-2012 |url=http://www.electionscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Conwy-1995-2012.pdf |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=electionscentre.co.uk |archive-date=8 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508143138/http://www.electionscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Conwy-1995-2012.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> but was elected to the town council.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wade |first=Sian |date=1999-07-22 |title=Cash backing for estate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/rhyl-prestatyn-visitor-cash-backing-for/160278853/ |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=Prestatyn Visitor |pages=9 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> From 2000 to 2001, Millar was mayor of the township of Towyn and [[Kinmel Bay]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=About Darren Millar |url=https://vote.darrenmillar.wales/about-darren-millar |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Darren Millar |language=en |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528180014/https://vote.darrenmillar.wales/about-darren-millar |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2002-03-02 |title=Tory assembly hopeful just 25 |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/f9c5d93e-9b64-469e-83b9-052ec98da0f4/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[North Wales Daily Post]] |pages=9 |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref> He was also a member of [[Conwy County Borough Council]] from 2004, the North Wales [[police authority|Police Authority]] and the [[North Wales Fire and Rescue Service]].<ref name=":0" />


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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bellis |first=Derek |date=2005-02-19 |title=Bill for policing goes up by 5% |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/e57bd99c-87f9-440a-9370-151399c07836/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=North Wales Daily Post |pages=11}}</ref>
In the [[2003 National Assembly for Wales election|2003 Senedd election]], he stood unsuccessfully as the Conservative candidate for the [[Vale of Clwyd (Senedd constituency)|Vale of Clwyd]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 May 2003 |title=Election results for Vale of Clwyd, 1 May 2003 |url=http://senedd.assembly.wales/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?XXR=0&ID=191&RPID=0 |website=senedd.assembly.wales}}</ref> In the [[2007 National Assembly for Wales election|2007 election]], Millar was elected to the [[Clwyd West (Senedd constituency)|Clwyd West]] seat, unseating the incumbent Labour MS, [[Alun Pugh]]. Pugh was the only Cabinet Minister to be defeated in the election.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2007 |title=Election results for Clwyd West, 3 May 2007 |url=http://senedd.assembly.wales/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=214 |website=senedd.assembly.wales}}</ref> Millar was re-elected in the [[2011 National Assembly for Wales election|2011]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2011 |title=Election results for Clwyd West, 5 May 2011 |url=http://senedd.assembly.wales/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?XXR=0&ID=19&RPID=0 |website=senedd.assembly.wales}}</ref> [[2016 National Assembly for Wales election|2016]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 May 2016 |title=Election results for Clwyd West, 6 May 2016 |url=http://senedd.assembly.wales/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=262 |website=senedd.assembly.wales}}</ref> and [[2021 Senedd election|2021]] elections.


In November 2023, he had been selected as the Conservative Party [[prospective parliamentary candidate]] for the new constituency of [[Clwyd North (UK Parliament constituency)|Clwyd North]] at the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mansfield |first=Mark |date=2023-11-26 |title=Darren Millar selected as Tory general election candidate for Clwyd North |url=https://nation.cymru/news/darren-millar-selected-as-tory-general-election-candidate-for-clwyd-north/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}</ref> He came second, losing to the Labour candidate by 1,196 votes.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-05 |title=Labour candidate Gill German wins Clwyd North seat by 1,196 votes |url=https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/24432303.labour-candidate-gill-german-wins-clwyd-north-1-196-votes/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |work=Rhyl Journal |language=en}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=David |date=2006-04-03 |title=Unions call in watchdog over sick days jibe |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/unions-call-watchdog-over-sick-2895274 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=North Wales Live |language=en |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528180017/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/unions-call-watchdog-over-sick-2895274 |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Senedd ===
=== Senedd ===
In the [[2003 National Assembly for Wales election|2003 Senedd election]], at age 25,<ref name=":4" /> he stood unsuccessfully as the Conservative candidate for the [[Vale of Clwyd (Senedd constituency)|Vale of Clwyd]].
After his election to the Senedd in 2007, Millar was appointed Shadow Minister for Environment and Planning by [[Nick Bourne]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=WalesOnline |date=2007-06-04 |title=Bourne names his front benchers |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/bourne-names-his-front-benchers-2241032 |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}</ref> He served in this role until February 2009, when he was moved to be Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government.<ref name="BourneFeb2009">{{Cite news |date=27 February 2009 |title=Two tories reject Bourne offers |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7913572.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507225822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7913572.stm |archive-date=7 May 2024 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref> In November 2010, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Economy and Transport.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Isaby |first=Jonathan |title=Welsh Assembly Tory leader Nick Bourne announces changes to his Shadow Cabinet |url=https://conservativehome.blogs.com/gazette/2010/11/welsh-assembly-tory-leader-nick-bourne-announces-changes-to-his-shadow-cabinet.html |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=ConservativeHome}}</ref><ref name="BourneNov2010_Reshuffle">{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Daniel |date=26 November 2010 |title=Tories appoint Morgan to shadow cabinet |work=Press Association}}</ref>


Millar was first elected to represent [[Clwyd West (Senedd constituency)|Clwyd West]] in [[2007 National Assembly for Wales election|2007]], and was re-elected in the [[2011 National Assembly for Wales election|2011]], [[2016 National Assembly for Wales election|2016]] and [[2021 Senedd election|2021]] elections.
After his re-election in 2011, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Health by interim leader [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]].<ref name="P.DaviesMay2011_WelshToryWeb">{{Cite news |date=18 May 2011 |title=Conservatives announce shadow Welsh cabinet |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/conservatives-announce-shadow-welsh-cabinet-1834118 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=WalesOnline}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 May 2011 |title=Welsh Conservatives name shadow cabinet |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/9031813.Welsh_Conservatives_name_shadow_cabinet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221222423/https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/9031813.Welsh_Conservatives_name_shadow_cabinet/ |archive-date=21 February 2018 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=South Wales Argus}}</ref> He retained this role after [[Andrew RT Davies]] was elected leader and formalised the interim Shadow Cabinet, and throughout the remainder of the term.<ref>{{Cite web |last=WalesOnline |date=2011-07-19 |title=Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies unveils shadow cabinet |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-conservative-leader-andrew-rt-1822490 |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}</ref> After the 2016 Senedd elections, Millar was appointed Welsh Conservative education spokesperson, as Plaid Cymru became the Official Opposition.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-06-11 |title=Davies names Welsh Conservative assembly spokespeople |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-36388132 |access-date=2024-08-13 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> In April 2017, he became Shadow Minister for Education, as the Welsh Conservatives returned to opposition.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2017 |title=UKIP's Mark Reckless to join Conservatives in assembly |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-39513743 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref>


==== Third Senedd ====
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=David |last2=Mosalski |first2=Ruth |date=2018-06-27 |title=The contenders to succeed Andrew RT Davies as Welsh Tory leader |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/contenders-succeed-andrew-rt-davies-14837130 |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}</ref> After [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 September 2018 |title=New Tory leader reshuffles Senedd team |url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2018-09-18/new-tory-leader-reshuffles-senedd-team |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=ITV News}}</ref>
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,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> and stated he believed that [[creationism]] should be taught in science lessons.<ref name=":3" /> 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".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lister |first=Sam |date=2007-05-02 |title=MPs call for action on 'gay slur' Tory |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/b2284dc1-b9ab-4e62-8b46-83d1c725f7b7/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[North Wales Daily Post]] |pages=2 |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref> He was successfully elected to the Clwyd West seat, unseating the incumbent Labour MS, [[Alun Pugh]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-05-04 |title=Welsh assembly election - 2007 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/vote2007/welshasssembly_english/html/816.stm |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[BBC News]] |archive-date=30 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830154351/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/vote2007/welshasssembly_english/html/816.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Pugh was the only Cabinet Minister to be defeated in the election.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-05-05 |title=As Pugh bites the dust, others return to the fray, and reality kicks in for those who think it's all over |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/760c868b-389b-4a2f-8dcd-68cdae294d22/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=The Western Mail |pages=8 |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref>


After his election to the Senedd in 2007, Millar was appointed Shadow Minister for Environment and Planning by [[Nick Bourne]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=WalesOnline |date=2007-06-04 |title=Bourne names his front benchers |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/bourne-names-his-front-benchers-2241032 |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}</ref> While in this role he campaigned for targets to reduce emissions,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Daniel |date=2007-06-20 |title=Tories demand targets to cut greenhouse gases |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/1f725407-8321-4703-ab0c-cb0c2fb039e1/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[Press Association]] |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref> supported the banning of single-use plastic bags,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williamson |first=David |date=2007-06-20 |title=Wales prepares to ban plastic shopping bags |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/72469e3d-b08f-431b-9dea-0c737e6e8a09/?context=1519360&federationidp=M9JDTX59593 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[Western Mail (Wales)|Western Mail]] |pages=1 |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref> and was supportive of investment in biofuels.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williamson |first=David |date=2007-09-06 |title='Cutting biofuel tax will benefit Welsh farmers and consumers' |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/96909003-e4bc-4256-a8a1-161d910f7d1d/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[Western Mail (Wales)|Western Mail]] |pages=12 |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref> 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",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williamson |first=David |date=2007-04-24 |title=170,000 Welsh homes are on flood plains, says agency |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/5fd177c2-3620-47a5-bb08-28e0945826a0/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[Western Mail (Wales)|Western Mail]] |pages=5 |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref> but later supported a ban on building on floodplains,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Daniel |date=2007-09-26 |title=Tories call for ban on flood plain building |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/d4649419-7c9a-44af-9c15-dbc05d8bc83c |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[Press Association]] |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref> and a substantial increase in spending on flood defences.
==== COVID-19 regulations investigation ====
In January 2021 the [[Senedd Commission]] investigated Millar for an alleged breach of [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]] regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 January 2021 |title=COVID-19: Four senior Welsh politicians under investigation over claims they broke lockdown rules |url=https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-four-senior-welsh-politicians-under-investigation-over-claims-they-broke-lockdown-rules-12192711 |website=Sky News}}</ref> He resigned from his frontbench roles on 23 January 2021 after the leader [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]] resigned on the same day.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-01-23 |title=Tory Senedd leader Paul Davies quits over alcohol row |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-55767262 |access-date=2021-01-23 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Owen |first=Twm |date=4 April 2022 |title=Report clears politicians of wrongdoing over Senedd drinking |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/20044593.report-clears-politicians-wrongdoing-senedd-drinking/ |work=South Wales Argus}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Daniel |date=2005-04-15 |title=First Minister defends free prescriptions |url=https://advance.lexis.com/enwiki/api/permalink/506a2c83-4976-44db-a59e-7be0e1464ade/?context=1519360&federationidp=M9JDTX59593 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[Press Association]] |via=[[Nexis]]}}</ref>
==== Sixth Senedd (2021-2026) ====
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Owen |first=Cathy |date=2021-05-27 |title=Tory MSs who drank in Senedd during alcohol ban get top roles |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/boozy-mss-who-drank-senedd-20689220 |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}</ref>


He served in this role until February 2009, when he was moved to be Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government.<ref name="BourneFeb2009">{{Cite news |date=27 February 2009 |title=Two tories reject Bourne offers |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7913572.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507225822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7913572.stm |archive-date=7 May 2024 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref> In November 2010, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Economy and Transport.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Isaby |first=Jonathan |title=Welsh Assembly Tory leader Nick Bourne announces changes to his Shadow Cabinet |url=https://conservativehome.blogs.com/gazette/2010/11/welsh-assembly-tory-leader-nick-bourne-announces-changes-to-his-shadow-cabinet.html |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=ConservativeHome |archive-date=23 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723191253/https://conservativehome.blogs.com/gazette/2010/11/welsh-assembly-tory-leader-nick-bourne-announces-changes-to-his-shadow-cabinet.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BourneNov2010_Reshuffle">{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Daniel |date=26 November 2010 |title=Tories appoint Morgan to shadow cabinet |work=Press Association}}</ref>
He is a former member of the Senedd's Sustainability Committee, and a former Chair of the Senedd's Health, Well-being and Local Government Committee.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}} In November 2010 Millar was elected as Chair of the Senedd's Public Accounts Committee. Millar also Chairs the Cross Party Group on Faith, and the Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets, both of which he is a founder member.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}}


==== Fourth and Fifth Senedds ====
He was one of four Conservative MSs (along with [[Andrew RT Davies]], [[Janet Finch-Saunders]] and [[Mark Isherwood (politician)|Mark Isherwood]]) to vote for [[Brexit]] in the [[2016 Brexit referendum]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.darrenmillaram.com/news/eu-referendum-my-view|title=The EU Referendum: My view|website=Darren Millar AM}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/eu-referendum-what-happens-wales-11518399|title=EU Referendum: What happens to Wales now after we voted for Brexit?|first=Rachel|last=Flint|date=24 June 2016|website=Daily Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/walesprogrammes/sharp-end-march-19th|title=Sharp End March 19th|website=www.itv.com}}</ref>
After his re-election in 2011, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Health by interim leader [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]].<ref name="P.DaviesMay2011_WelshToryWeb">{{Cite news |date=18 May 2011 |title=Conservatives announce shadow Welsh cabinet |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/conservatives-announce-shadow-welsh-cabinet-1834118 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=WalesOnline |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018193357/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/conservatives-announce-shadow-welsh-cabinet-1834118 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 May 2011 |title=Welsh Conservatives name shadow cabinet |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/9031813.Welsh_Conservatives_name_shadow_cabinet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221222423/https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/9031813.Welsh_Conservatives_name_shadow_cabinet/ |archive-date=21 February 2018 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=South Wales Argus}}</ref> He retained this role after [[Andrew RT Davies]] was elected leader and formalised the interim Shadow Cabinet, and throughout the remainder of the term.<ref>{{Cite web |last=WalesOnline |date=2011-07-19 |title=Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies unveils shadow cabinet |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-conservative-leader-andrew-rt-1822490 |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Wales Online |language=en |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626220546/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-conservative-leader-andrew-rt-1822490 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the 2016 Senedd elections, Millar was appointed Welsh Conservative education spokesperson, as Plaid Cymru became the Official Opposition.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-06-11 |title=Davies names Welsh Conservative assembly spokespeople |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-36388132 |access-date=2024-08-13 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626215221/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-36388132 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2017, he became Shadow Minister for Education, as the Welsh Conservatives returned to opposition.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2017 |title=UKIP's Mark Reckless to join Conservatives in assembly |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-39513743 |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=BBC News |archive-date=6 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406135159/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-39513743 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=David |last2=Mosalski |first2=Ruth |date=2018-06-27 |title=The contenders to succeed Andrew RT Davies as Welsh Tory leader |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/contenders-succeed-andrew-rt-davies-14837130 |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Wales Online |language=en |archive-date=15 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815115442/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/contenders-succeed-andrew-rt-davies-14837130 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 September 2018 |title=New Tory leader reshuffles Senedd team |url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2018-09-18/new-tory-leader-reshuffles-senedd-team |access-date=23 July 2024 |work=ITV News}}</ref>

===== COVID-19 regulations investigation =====
In January 2021 the [[Senedd Commission]] investigated Millar for an alleged breach of [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]] regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 January 2021 |title=COVID-19: Four senior Welsh politicians under investigation over claims they broke lockdown rules |url=https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-four-senior-welsh-politicians-under-investigation-over-claims-they-broke-lockdown-rules-12192711 |website=Sky News |access-date=20 January 2021 |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120151919/https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-four-senior-welsh-politicians-under-investigation-over-claims-they-broke-lockdown-rules-12192711 |url-status=live }}</ref> He resigned from his frontbench roles on 23 January 2021 after the leader Paul Davies resigned on the same day.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-01-23 |title=Tory Senedd leader Paul Davies quits over alcohol row |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-55767262 |access-date=2021-01-23 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124063806/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-55767262 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Owen |first=Twm |date=4 April 2022 |title=Report clears politicians of wrongdoing over Senedd drinking |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/20044593.report-clears-politicians-wrongdoing-senedd-drinking/ |work=South Wales Argus}}</ref>

==== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Owen |first=Cathy |date=2021-05-27 |title=Tory MSs who drank in Senedd during alcohol ban get top roles |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/boozy-mss-who-drank-senedd-20689220 |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Wales Online |language=en |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626215225/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/boozy-mss-who-drank-senedd-20689220 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Millar has been drawn to table a Members' Bill on three occasions.
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 (UK Parliament constituency)|Clwyd North]] at the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mansfield |first=Mark |date=2023-11-26 |title=Darren Millar selected as Tory general election candidate for Clwyd North |url=https://nation.cymru/news/darren-millar-selected-as-tory-general-election-candidate-for-clwyd-north/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}</ref> He came second, losing to the Labour candidate by 1,196 votes.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-05 |title=Labour candidate Gill German wins Clwyd North seat by 1,196 votes |url=https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/24432303.labour-candidate-gill-german-wins-clwyd-north-1-196-votes/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |work=Rhyl Journal |language=en |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706113801/https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/24432303.labour-candidate-gill-german-wins-clwyd-north-1-196-votes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2024, Millar tabled a non-binding motion of no confidence in First Minister [[Vaughan Gething]], over donations made during the [[February–March 2024 Welsh Labour leadership election|2024 Welsh Labour leadership election]] and the sacking of former [[Minister for Social Partnership|Social Partnership]] Minister [[Hannah Blythyn]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Motion - NDM8593 |url=https://record.senedd.wales/Motion/8593 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Welsh Parliament |language=en}}</ref> The motion passed 29-27. Gething described the motion as a 'gimmick' and said he would remain as First Minister.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=Vaughan Gething won't quit after losing vote of no confidence |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1vvqq1pp12o |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>


In 2024, Millar tabled a non-binding motion of no confidence in First Minister [[Vaughan Gething]], over donations made during the [[February–March 2024 Welsh Labour leadership election|2024 Welsh Labour leadership election]] and the sacking of former [[Minister for Social Partnership|Social Partnership]] Minister [[Hannah Blythyn]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Motion - NDM8593 |url=https://record.senedd.wales/Motion/8593 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Welsh Parliament |language=en |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202202107/https://record.senedd.wales/Motion/8593 |url-status=live }}</ref> The motion passed 29-27. Gething described the motion as a 'gimmick' and said he would remain as First Minister.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=Vaughan Gething won't quit after losing vote of no confidence |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1vvqq1pp12o |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
After [[Andrew RT Davies]] resigned as leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Millar put out a statement saying he would run to lead the party.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Deans |first=David |date=2024-12-03 |title=Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies resigns |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8nmn4n01no |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Deans |first=David |date=2024-12-03 |title=Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies resigns |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8nmn4n01no |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> He quickly obtained the support of six of his colleagues, [[Paul Davies (Conservative politician)|Paul Davies]], [[Russell George (Welsh politician)|Russell George]], [[Tom Giffard]], [[James Evans (Welsh politician)|James Evans]], [[Altaf Hussain (Welsh politician)|Altaf Hussain]] and [[Gareth Davies (Welsh politician)|Gareth Davies]] within 24 hours,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Browne |first=Adrian |last2=Deans |first2=David |date=2024-12-04 |title=Tory plots to oust me since April, says Davies |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ygj84xnqxo |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> and the whole group within 48 hours.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-05 |title=Darren Millar set to become new leader of the Senedd Tories |url=https://nation.cymru/news/darren-millar-set-to-become-new-leader-of-the-senedd-tories/ |access-date=2024-12-05 |work=[[Nation.Cymru]]}}</ref>

==Broader career==
Millar is the chief executive of a Christian organisation that he works for alongside his job in politics.<ref name="Christian"/>

== Political views ==

=== Brexit ===
He was one of four then-sitting Conservative MSs (along with Andrew RT Davies, [[Janet Finch-Saunders]] and [[Mark Isherwood (politician)|Mark Isherwood]]) to vote for [[Brexit]] in the [[2016 Brexit referendum]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The EU Referendum: My view |url=https://www.darrenmillaram.com/news/eu-referendum-my-view |website=Darren Millar AM |access-date=20 March 2018 |archive-date=21 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063021/https://www.darrenmillaram.com/news/eu-referendum-my-view |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Flint |first=Rachel |date=24 June 2016 |title=EU Referendum: What happens to Wales now after we voted for Brexit? |url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/eu-referendum-what-happens-wales-11518399 |website=Daily Post |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=16 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816160401/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/eu-referendum-what-happens-wales-11518399 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sharp End March 19th |url=https://www.itv.com/walesprogrammes/sharp-end-march-19th |website=www.itv.com}}</ref>

=== Prescription charges ===
Millar has been a "fierce critic" of NHS prescriptions having been made free.<ref>{{cite news |last1= Browne |first1= Adrian |last2= Deans |first2= David |date= 5 December 2024 |title= Who is Darren Millar, new Senedd Tory leader? |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz9gp7818e5o |work= BBC News |access-date= 5 December 2024}}</ref>

=== 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".<ref name="Christian">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-08 |title=Welsh Tory leader Darren Millar: "I'm Christian - get over it" |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8dq9qe98dyo |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{s-ttl|title=[[Welsh Assembly Government|Shadow Minister for Health & Social Services]]|years=July 2011–2016}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Welsh Assembly Government|Shadow Minister for Health & Social Services]]|years=July 2011–2016}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Rhun ap Iorwerth]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Rhun ap Iorwerth]]}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Andrew RT Davies]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Leader of the [[Welsh Conservatives]]|years=2024–present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}
{{Welsh Conservatives}}
{{Current Welsh MSs}}
{{Current Welsh MSs}}


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[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:British Christians]]
[[Category:Conservative Party members of the Senedd]]
[[Category:Conservative Party members of the Senedd]]
[[Category:Irish Christians]]
[[Category:Irish people]]
[[Category:Mayors of places in Wales]]
[[Category:Mayors of places in Wales]]
[[Category:Wales AMs 2007–2011]]
[[Category:Wales AMs 2007–2011]]

Latest revision as of 10:45, 10 December 2024

For similarly named people, see Darren Miller (disambiguation).

Darren Millar
MS
Official portrait, 2021
Leader of the Opposition
Incumbent
Assumed office
5 December 2024
MonarchCharles III
First MinisterEluned Morgan
Preceded byAndrew RT Davies
Leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd
Incumbent
Assumed office
5 December 2024
LeaderKemi Badenoch
Preceded byAndrew RT Davies
Past Shadow Cabinet Roles
Shadow Minister for the Constitution and North Wales
In office
27 May 2021 – 5 December 2024
LeaderAndrew RT Davies
Preceded byMark Isherwood North Wales
Welsh Conservative Chief Whip
In office
27 May 2021 – 5 December 2024
LeaderAndrew RT Davies
Preceded byMark Isherwood
In office
18 September 2018 – 23 January 2021
LeaderPaul Davies
Preceded byPaul Davies
Succeeded byMark Isherwood
Shadow Minister for External Affairs and International Relations
In office
18 September 2018 – 23 January 2021
LeaderPaul Davies
Shadow Minister for Education
In office
6 April 2017 – 18 September 2018
LeaderAndrew RT Davies
Paul Davies Interim
Preceded byAngela Burns
Succeeded bySuzy Davies
Shadow Minister for Health
In office
18 May 2011 – 5 May 2016
LeaderPaul Davies Interim
Andrew RT Davies
Preceded byNick Ramsay
Succeeded byRhun ap Iorwerth
Shadow Minister for Economy and Transport
In office
26 November 2010 – 18 May 2011
LeaderNick Bourne
Preceded byDavid Melding
Succeeded byNick Ramsay Economy
Byron Davies Transport
Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government
In office
27 February 2009 – 26 November 2010
LeaderNick Bourne
Preceded byNick Ramsay
Succeeded byJonathan Morgan
Shadow Minister for the Environment and Planning
In office
29 June 2007 – 27 February 2009
LeaderNick Bourne
Preceded byGlyn Davies
Succeeded byAngela Burns
Member of the Senedd
for Clwyd West
Incumbent
Assumed office
3 May 2007
Preceded byAlun Pugh
Majority3,685 (13.0%)
Personal details
Born1976 (age 47–48)
NationalityBritish, Irish[1]
Political partyWelsh Conservatives
Residence(s)Kinmel Bay, Conwy, Wales
Websitewww.darrenmillar.wales

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]

Background

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

Local government

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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
[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

Political views

[edit]

Brexit

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

Women's rights

[edit]

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]

References

[edit]
  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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b Mulholland, Hélène (27 April 2007). "Cameron opens door to race-row shadow minister". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  5. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b "About Darren Millar". Darren Millar. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  14. ^ a b "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. ^ a b "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.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Darren Millar.
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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