The leader of the opposition in the Senedd is taking time off work to recover from coronavirus and the impact it has had on his mental health.

Andrew RT Davies leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, said he was taking a “complete break” on doctor’s orders to focus on his recovery, having caught flu and Covid-19.

Mr Davies last spoke in the Senedd on September 21 and Paul Davies has stood in for him during the last two First Minister’s Questions in Plenary.

In a statement, Mr Davies said: “As some of you are aware, over the past fortnight I’ve been fighting a dose of the flu and subsequently coronavirus.

“I’m starting to recover but I will admit it’s knocked me for six and has had an impact on my mental well-being.

“Like many men, I’ve always believed I had a shield of invincibility, and like many who have struggled, I’ve contemplated whether I should make this public.

“However, as a leader, I believe you should set an example and I want to be open and honest – in the good times and the bad – as I know many people have struggled and will do with their mental health.

“As such, and on doctor’s orders, I will be taking a complete break from work to ensure I can fully recover and bounce back from the difficulties I’ve experienced over the past fortnight.

“In the meantime, I would like to thank Paul Davies for continuing with my duties during my absence and I ask that my privacy and that of my family is respected.”