Mr Davies could be the first AM to move to Westminster

The 32-year-old was chosen from a shortlist of three at a selection meeting in the constituency on Wednesday night.

Labour's Huw Edwards holds the seat with a majority of just 384 votes.

Mr Davies is the only Tory AM to have won a seat by the traditional first-past-the-post system at the two assembly elections so far.

It is important for people to make transitions - from the assembly to Westminster, or vice versa Welsh Tory leader Nick Bourne

He becomes the first AM to be selected to fight a Westminster seat, and said he would campaign against what he called "stinging rises" in council tax.

"I decided to put my name forward after winning the seat for the Welsh assembly.

"I was asked by many members of the Conservative Party, as well as the public, to put my name forward.

He said his priority was to raise constituents' concerns over the "stinging rise in council tax that left many in financial difficulties."

He announced his candidacy just two months after retaining his seat in the assembly elections to serve another four-year term.

During the last term, Tory group leader Nick Bourne said his members had agreed to focus on the assembly and not seek nominations for Westminster.

But Mr Bourne said that statement referred only to the first term.

"We have discussed this on many occasions.

'First class'

"It was not right for assembly members to seek parliamentary selection in the first term at such an early stage in the assembly's development.

"However, now that we are in the second term it is important for people to make transitions - from the assembly to Westminster, or vice versa."

Mr Davies had been a "first class member" for Monmouth, he added.

It is not yet clear if Mr Davies will resign his assembly seat if he wins the general election, which could be two years away.

Monmouth was held by the Tories from 1992 to 1997, and would be a key target for them.

Mr Davies, who recently got married, worked for his family's transport and shipping company before his election to the assembly.